1. Decentralization - Not controlled by any one entity. All transactions verified by a community.
2. Public Ledger - All transaction are public (visible and verified by everyone).
3. Open source code - Impossible to hack, constantly verified by community.
4. Truth machine - Trustless
5. Reduced costs
6. Peer to Peer Transactions
7. Private Blockchain - A blockchain that is centralized and controlled by one authority
How to store your Cryptocurrencies?
1. Types of wallets
2. Make sure your wallet can hold the right coins
3. Public and Private Keys - Think Username and password
Fiat Exchanges
How you turn dollars into cryptocurrencies. For a fee these exchanges sell you Bitcoin, Litecoin or Etherium. These are pooled accounts like banks, do not leave your coins on these exchanges. If everyone tries to withdraw their coins at the same time they do not have enough coins for everyone. If you don't control your keys you don't control your coins!!!
1. Coinbase
2. Kraken
3. Gemini
4. Bitcoin ATM - Many local in the Milwaukee Area
Crypto-to Crypto Exchanges
These allow you to trade cryptocurrencies for cryptocurrencies.
1. Bittrex
2. Binance
3. Kucoin