Which bitcoin wallet to choose
Essentially, the functions of any bitcoin wallet are as follows: - the wallet program generates a wallet file on your computer. - creates a graphical interface for convenient sending and receiving bitcoins. - exercises control over the operations carried out.
All wallets can be divided into "heavy" and "light"
"Heavy" wallets of this payment system download data on all transactions ever made in the world to the user's computer. They support the Bitcoin network by viewing other people's transactions and transmitting them from node to node. The condition of downloading all transaction blocks is necessary for the operation of "heavy" wallets. Such wallets use quite a lot of space on the computer's disk and take up part of the RAM for their needs. It is worth noting that the use of "thick" bitcoin wallets imposes certain requirements not only on the power of the user's computer and the speed of the Internet connection, but also on the level of "advancement" of its owner. It is no secret that today the entire chain of transaction blocks (blockchain) weighs tens of gigabytes, so its download takes a long time, and requires certain manipulations with the settings of the wallet program itself. "Thin", or "light" wallets download only the last small part of the entire chain of transaction blocks, or take all the necessary information from third-party services. Such wallets work faster, and are great for people who do not have much experience using bitcoins. Therefore, using simplified "thin" wallets to manage your bitcoins is not only justified, but sometimes is the only possible solution for the first acquaintance with the world of Bitcoin cryptocurrency. List and description of common wallets. //////////////////////// Possible options for "light" bitcoin wallets:
MultiBit is a lightweight client, the main advantage of which is ease of use. Minimum functions. Fast synchronization with the network and readiness to make payments.
Electrum - this bitcoin wallet requires few resources, is fast and easy to use. It uses remote servers to process the most complex transactions. /////////////////////////// If you still decide to opt for a "heavy" bitcoin client, then you should consider the most popular and stable Bitcoin wallet:
Bitcoin Core is a full-fledged client program, it requests a full download of the transaction block chain. Bitcore Coin is available for Windows, Linux and Mac, as well as in the Ubuntu PPA format. It is characterized by a high level of security and confidentiality of payments. Disadvantages: this bitcoin wallet does not have many options, takes up quite a lot of space on the hard drive and requires a lot of RAM. There are also applications for mobile devices that allow you to manage your funds anywhere from your phone or tablet. Working with them is fast and convenient. Mobile bitcoin wallets allow you to make payments using the scan-and-pay scheme. To make a payment, just scan the QR code with your device and make the payment. All existing mobile bitcoin wallets are "thin", as already noted, such wallets do not require downloading blocks, and all data is taken from specialized servers. Among them, it is worth noting:
Bitcoin Wallet - for Android is reliable and easy to use, but at the same time it is also fast and safe.
GreenAddress - is a convenient wallet with a multi-signature, improved security and confidentiality. Your keys are not transmitted to the servers, even in encrypted form.
Hive is a user-friendly Bitcoin and Litecoin wallet with a beautiful, elegant and simple interface.
Mycelium Bitcoin Wallet is an open source wallet for Android designed to be safe, fast and easy to use. ///////////////////////
Web Wallets If for some reason installing a bitcoin wallet program on a computer is not acceptable for a user, then he can consider using the so-called Web wallets. These are online services that offer management of your funds on their website online, without installing a wallet program on the user's computer. This type of wallet is convenient because it can be used from any, even someone else's device, that has Internet access. This method can be interesting for a trial run with bitcoin money and handling small amounts.