Capitalizations Index – B ∞/21M
The bitcoin Genesis Block, mined by Satoshi Nakamoto on January 3, 2009, is the inaugural block of the blockchain. It’s hardcoded, contains the embedded message ‘The Times 03/Jan/2009…’ and fixed reward.
While individual countries can restrict trading and mining, bitcoin’s decentralized protocol, global nodes and peer-to-peer networks make a coordinated global ban nearly impossible without disrupting the internet.
bitcoin cannot be counterfeited because transactions use cryptographic signatures, decentralized consensus, and proof-of-work to verify ownership and prevent double-spending, ensuring authenticity and integrity.
bitcoin operates as a decentralized peer-to-peer network where nodes validate transactions and relay blocks; cryptographic consensus via proof-of-work secures the ledger, preventing double-spending without central authority.
bitcoin is pseudonymous: addresses aren’t tied to real names on the blockchain, but transactions are public and traceable. Linking addresses to identities is often possible via exchanges, clusters, and analytics.
bitcoin operates as a decentralized network sustained by thousands of independent nodes and miners worldwide, distributing validation, securing consensus, and resisting single-point control or censorship.
Install bitcoin Core, choose a data directory and open RPC/peer ports, download and validate the full blockchain, then allow the client to fully sync. Maintain uptime, enable pruning if low on disk, secure access.
Hot wallets are internet-connected bitcoin wallets that enable quick transactions and easy access but carry higher security risks; users should balance convenience with strong authentication and backup practices.