How-To Geek - Cryptocurrency

Paypal’s Idea for Easier Payments Is a Stablecoin Cryptocurrency

Arol Wright — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 19:37:18 GMT

Stablecoins are often proposed as one of the most logical use cases for cryptocurrencies. Unlike most cryptocurrencies, which have volatile values, stablecoins are pegged to something (usually an actual currency) to keep its value from fluctuating — making it less like a stock and more like an actual currency you can use. Now, PayPal is getting into the business of cryptocurrencies with its new stablecoin, the PayPal USD.

Your Crypto Money Might Not Legally Belong to You Anymore, Court Rules

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:07:41 GMT

The cryptocurrency industry has been busy with the sudden collapse of FTX, one of the top crypto exchanges (banks), for almost two months now. Many people still can't get their money out of FTX, and another ruling is more bad news for people using exchanges.

When You Buy NFT Art, You're Buying a Link to a File

Benj Edwards — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 18:27:00 GMT

Dazzling sales of NFTs have made the news over the past year, but each sale comes with a huge caveat: You're buying a link to a file on someone's server, and that link could change. We'll take a look at why NFTs work this way and how it might come back to haunt NFT owners in the future.

Here's the Problem With NFTs

Fergus O'Sullivan — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 18:23:00 GMT

NFTs are all the rage among aficionados of cryptocurrency and collectors alike, not to mention those who like to try their luck on the cutting edge of tech. However, as with all things new, there's a risk with NFTs, one that can turn the cutting edge into the bleeding edge.

New York Cracks Down on Fossil Fuels for Crypto Mining

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:38:48 GMT

Cryptocurrency mining often requires massive amounts of electricity, especially for proof-of-work chains like Bitcoin. That power sometimes comes from fossil fuels, which the state of New York wants to limit.

Cryptocurrency Is Having a Bad Time Right Now

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:36:45 GMT

Cryptocurrency has been heralded by some as the future of digital payments, without the overhead of a central bank or government. However, at least some overhead might be needed, if the past few weeks have been any indication.

Bitcoin Might Finally Be Collapsing, and That's a Good Thing

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 14:40:01 GMT

Bitcoin was the first mainstream cryptocurrency, but its high price has ensured it remains popular, even as the technology behind it became more outdated and inefficient. Now, Bitcoin might finally in a death spiral.

Ethereum's Biggest Problem Is Being Fixed With "The Merge"

Arol Wright — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 11:57:53 GMT

The Ethereum blockchain is home to the second most valuable cryptocurrency, the Ether (ETH), as well as many other cryptos and, more recently, NFTs. It's also been a source of (well-deserved) criticism because of its high energy usage, but that should change soon.

How Decentralized Social Media (DeSo) Wants to Transform Your News Feed

HTG Staff — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:00:12 GMT

Decentralized Social, or DeSo, is a way of social networking built on open blockchain technology without a central authority that owns and operates the network, creating new opportunities for how we can use social media and giving more power to you, the user.

What Is Solana, and Why Is It Called an "Ethereum Killer"?

HTG Staff — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 13:00:41 GMT

Solana is a high-speed and permissionless layer 1 public blockchain that is sometimes called an "Ethereum Killer" because it features cheap fees and fast transactions compared to the often expensive "gas" fees due to high traffic on Ethereum.

What Is Cardano's Vasil Hard Fork?

RJ Fulton — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:00:00 GMT

One of the most popular smart contract blockchains will be receiving a much-needed upgrade. In early June 2022, Cardano's founder, Charles Hoskinson, announced that the Cardano blockchain will undergo an upgrade dubbed the Vasil hard fork by late June 2022. Here's what that means

What is a Hard Fork in Crypto?

RJ Fulton — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:00:13 GMT

When a blockchain hard forks, a new blockchain is created from an existing one. Think of it like an off-ramp when driving on a highway: The interstate remains but a new road follows a different course.

What Are Fan Tokens?

RJ Fulton — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:00:01 GMT

Fan tokens are cryptocurrencies that allow holders to vote on minor decisions related to sports clubs, earn rewards, and have a shot at unique experiences like meet and greets. They can be used by any other organization to engage a community with digital assets.

What Happened to Celsius, the Crypto Lender?

RJ Fulton — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 09:30:37 GMT

The crypto market has been rattled again in June 2022 due to a groundbreaking announcement made by crypto platform Celsius. The company announced it would no longer allow users to withdraw, swap, or transfer account balances.

What Is a Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)?

RJ Fulton — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 14:00:08 GMT

A wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) is a way to represent Bitcoin on the Ethereum blockchain. Bitcoin and Ethereum are the top two cryptocurrencies in the world, but they can't normally interact with each other---hence the need for wrapping.

What Is Fiat Currency?

RJ Fulton — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 13:00:58 GMT

Currencies with no other commodity backing them are known as fiat currency. The euro, pound, yen, and other major currencies are all considered fiat currencies.

What Is Yield Farming in DeFi?

RJ Fulton — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 15:00:11 GMT

DeFi promises to eliminate the need for banks almost entirely. Known as yield farmers, holders of a cryptocurrency can earn yields by serving the same role that banks traditionally did. Here's how it works.

What Is an Airdrop in Crypto?

RJ Fulton — Mon, 30 May 2022 14:00:29 GMT

Blockchains and cryptocurrencies continue to challenge traditional ideas around finance. Project developers have leveraged these innovations by introducing new ways to market and advertise. Airdrops are one of these recent developments that help promote cryptocurrencies.

How to Use Uniswap With MetaMask on iPhone or Android

RJ Fulton — Sat, 28 May 2022 14:00:28 GMT

Using Uniswap with your MetaMask wallet is one of the easiest ways to "swap" your favorite Ethereum-based tokens in a matter of minutes. Here's how to do it on your iPhone or Android phone.

How to Add a MetaMask Wallet to iPhone or Android

RJ Fulton — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:00:27 GMT

MetaMask is a popular cryptocurrency wallet that you can download to your phone for free. Once installed, you can connect MetaMask to all kinds of DeFi applications (dApps) to easily send and receive cryptocurrency.

How to Install MetaMask in Your Web Browser

RJ Fulton — Sun, 22 May 2022 13:00:25 GMT

There are many different cryptocurrency wallets out there, but Metamask is an incredibly popular one. It's simple and versatile. You can use it for NFTs, buying and selling tokens on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), or accessing a plethora of DeFi apps (dApps).

How to Buy Bitcoin With the Strike Mobile App

RJ Fulton — Wed, 18 May 2022 14:00:17 GMT

One of the simplest ways to buy Bitcoin is by using the Strike mobile app. Thanks to its use of the Lightning Network, Bitcoin purchases on Strike have a much lower transaction cost. Here's how to use it.

What Is a DEX? Decentralized Exchanges Explained

RJ Fulton — Tue, 17 May 2022 13:00:13 GMT

A decentralized exchange (DEX) has distinct advantages over centralized exchanges. However, before using a DEX for all of your cryptocurrency transactions, you should be aware of the limitations.

The LimeWire Name Returns From the Dead to Sell Music NFTs

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 17 May 2022 11:29:54 GMT

LimeWire was one of the most popular torrenting applications in the early 2000s. The original app was discontinued over a decade ago, but now the name is back to sell music-based NFTs.

Crypto Token vs. Coin: What's the Difference?

RJ Fulton — Mon, 16 May 2022 13:00:17 GMT

Tokens and coins are similar. The difference between a coin or a token may be a technicality, but understanding the difference can help you better understand how blockchains and cryptocurrencies function.

What's a POAP? How Memories Are Being Transformed in Web3

HTG Staff — Thu, 12 May 2022 13:00:00 GMT

"Proof of Attendance Protocol," also known as POAP, is a digital bookmark for your life. They are minted as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to your account or wallet.

What Is ApeCoin?

RJ Fulton — Wed, 11 May 2022 15:00:00 GMT

ApeCoin has recently captured the public's attention like many other memecoins. However, unlike Dogecoin or Shiba Inu, ApeCoin might actually provide some real utility and be here for the long haul.

What Is the UST Stablecoin, and Why Did Its Price Fall?

RJ Fulton — Tue, 10 May 2022 14:00:12 GMT

The world's largest algorithmic stablecoin is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. TerraUSD (UST) was designed to track the value of the US dollar, but its value suddenly dropped in May 2022. What happened?

What Is a Stablecoin?

RJ Fulton — Tue, 10 May 2022 13:45:00 GMT

Cryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile. Stablecoins promise a safe haven from fluctuating prices, but even they're not risk-free. Here's how they work.

The 5 Biggest Misconceptions About Crypto

HTG Staff — Mon, 09 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT

The world of crypto is complex and sometimes overwhelming. You may encounter a variety of differing arguments and opinions which can make it challenging to sort out the signal from the noise. Let's sort out the five biggest misunderstandings when it comes to cryptocurrency.

How to Get Tips in Crypto on Twitter

RJ Fulton — Sat, 07 May 2022 13:00:02 GMT

Twitter has become one of the primary social media platforms for crypto enthusiasts. In addition to being home for discussion and commentary on all things crypto, Twitter now allows users to receive and send payments in Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Bitcoin Is Legal Tender in El Salvador, Here's How It's Going

HTG Staff — Fri, 06 May 2022 08:00:39 GMT

Bitcoin has been legal tender in El Salvador since September 2021. It's a bold financial experiment---so how's that going? Data based on a survey by the National Bureau of Economic Research can help us understand how the process of Bitcoin adoption is going for everyday people.

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) Are Coming Soon

HTG Staff — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 08:00:35 GMT

They are coming for you and your bank sooner than you think. And they have the potential to upend the way you transact and the future of cash as we know it. Meet "Central Bank Digital Currencies," or CBDCs.

What Is Dogecoin?

RJ Fulton — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 08:00:00 GMT

The original memecoin, Dogecoin, brought cryptocurrency into the mainstream media spotlight. Its rise in popularity is nothing short of historic. Here's where it came from and why everyone can't stop talking about it.

What Are P2E Games? Play-to-Earn NFTs or Crypto

Fergus O'Sullivan — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 09:30:00 GMT

Few sectors are escaping the crypto craze, but many game developers have really embraced it. Plenty of gaming-related collectibles can now be claimed as NFTs, but some so-called "play-to-earn" games have gone even further and have crypto and NFT as the stakes.

What Is Staking in Crypto?

RJ Fulton — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Proof-of-stake blockchains offer cryptocurrency investors another way to earn some extra cash. However, staking isn't a risk-free investment: There are some things to keep in mind. Here's how it works.

What Is a Hardware Wallet for Crypto?

RJ Fulton — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 08:30:06 GMT

Hackers around the world work 24/7 trying to seize cryptocurrency. Hardware wallets provide an added layer of security to protect your cryptocurrency. If you hold cryptocurrency, you should seriously consider using one.

What Is a Sidechain in Crypto?

RJ Fulton — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Some blockchains have shortcomings---for example, Bitcoin and Ethereum's blockchains are not adept at handling a large number of transactions at a low cost. Sidechains are a way to minimize inefficiencies in these Layer 1 blockchains.

Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake: What's the Difference?

RJ Fulton — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Despite being such a new technology, there is a long-standing debate about the best method blockchains use to verify transactions and add them to the blockchain. The debate is between proof of work and proof of stake, and there are cryptocurrencies that use each.

What Is a Layer 2 Protocol in Crypto?

RJ Fulton — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 13:00:17 GMT

Remember when having 16 gigabytes of storage on your smartphone was an incredible amount? Just as the technology of your smartphone has adapted for current demands, so have many of the world's leading cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin Is Not Private, Your Transaction History is Public

HTG Staff — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 08:00:28 GMT

One of the biggest misconceptions about cryptocurrency is that it is private. The Bitcoin network, like many of the major blockchains that are popular, is a public distributed ledger, which means everyone can see what's happening on the network.

What Is Bitcoin's Lightning Network, and How Do You Use It?

RJ Fulton — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 09:00:06 GMT

Bitcoin is great for large transactions, but if you are using it to buy a cup of coffee---not so much. Until recently, inefficiencies limited Bitcoin's potential as a financial solution for everyday purchases.

What Is Crypto Mining, and How Does It Work?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 22:00:00 GMT

With the cryptocurrency craze in full swing, you can't avoid hearing about the people mining these digital currencies---and destabilizing the graphics processor market. Here's what "crypto mining" actually is.

What Is "Ethereum 2.0" and Will It Solve Crypto's Problems?

Benj Edwards — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 22:00:00 GMT

The next major revision of the Ethereum crypto network, often called "ETH 2.0," promises to address some of its biggest criticisms, from high GPU prices to environmental pollution. Let's take a look at the proposed changes and what they might mean for the future of crypto.

What's the Difference Between a Bitcoin Wallet and an Exchange?

Chris Hoffman — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 22:00:00 GMT

A Bitcoin wallet is basically a software program in which you store Bitcoin. An exchange lets you convert "real money" like US dollars to Bitcoin. Exchanges also provide a wallet---but you don't necessarily have full control of that wallet.

What Is a "Blockchain"?

Michael Crider — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 23:00:00 GMT

If you've been watching the news lately, you might have heard about something called a blockchain. It's a concept that makes data ultra-secure for specific uses. You've probably heard it in connection with Bitcoin, but it has applications far beyond everyone's favorite cryptocurrencies. Here's a quick explanation of how it works.

What Is a Meme Coin?

Vann Vicente — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 08:00:00 GMT

First, it was DOGE, then it was SHIBA. Now, it seems like there's a new coin related to dogs every hour. Here's what a "meme coin" is, and why it might not make the wisest investment.

What Is Cryptocurrency?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Chances are you've heard of cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin have all become words we hear on the news or read online. But what is cryptocurrency exactly, and how does it work?

What Is a DAO?

Sydney Butler — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 13:00:00 GMT

If you've been following the world of blockchain technology at all, you've likely heard talk of something called a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). Let's take a look at how this technology works and why people use it.

Intel Is Making a Chip Designed to Mine Crypto

Dave LeClair — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 10:09:50 GMT

Mining cryptocurrency isn't going anywhere, and Intel is diving headfirst into the game with its own mining chip, which the company promises will outperform modern GPUs at mining currency.

What Are Decentralized Apps (dApps) and How Do They Work?

Sydney Butler — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 09:00:00 GMT

A decentralized app or dApp offers the benefits of centralized cloud-based apps like Google Docs, but without the need for cloud datacenters. Using the same blockchain technology like cryptocurrencies, ICOs, and NFTs, dApps offer unique security and privacy advantages.

Why Mining Crypto Will Murder Your Laptop

Sydney Butler — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:00:29 GMT

Laptops and mining crypto don't mix. Even a gaming laptop doesn't have the hardware to go all-out 24/7. Using your laptop as a mining rig is a good way to damage the hardware---and it won't be able to mine well.

How to Make an NFT

Fergus O'Sullivan — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 08:00:09 GMT

You can't escape the NFT craze right now: everybody is talking about these digital assets, or even going so far as putting out their own. As a result, you may find yourself curious about how to get in on the action. Here's how to make your own.

You Can Attend Coachella for Life With This NFT

Dave LeClair — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 16:03:58 GMT

Just about everyone is getting into NFTs. Coachella, a giant festival, is set to start selling them. However, instead of just serving as a digital collectible, these will offer lifetime access to the real-world festival.

What Is DeFi? The Basics of Decentralized Finance

Fergus O'Sullivan — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Among the coverage of NFTs, Bitcoin, blockchains, and everything else cryptocurrency there is another term that is cropping up more and more: DeFi. What is it, and what does it mean to you?

What Is a Bored Ape NFT?

Sydney Butler — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 07:00:41 GMT

If you're scratching your head at the deluge of Gorillaz-style monkey avatars everywhere on the web, congratulations! You've just had your first encounter with the Bored Ape Yacht Club, and it might make even less sense than you imagine.

Another Crypto Platform Hacked, $80 Million Stolen

Dave LeClair — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 13:25:15 GMT

AÂ decentralized finance platform calledÂ Qubit was attacked, and its users lost around $80 million in cryptocurrency, which is no small amount of cash. This is the largest crypto hack of 2022 (though it's only been about a month).Related: What Is Cryptocurrency?Qubit posted a report breaking down what happened, and the company was rapid to get it out. The event took place around 5 pm ET on January 27, 2022. The report on Medium was posted at around 3 am ET, which means it took the firm around 10 hours to acknowledge the hack completely.However, as good as the response time is, Qubit didn't mention that it would return lost funds to its users, which is what Crypto.com did when it suffered a similar theft.As far as how the attack happened, Qubit says, "The attacker called the QBridge deposit function on the Ethereum network, which calls the deposit function QBridgeHandler ...Â In summary, the deposit function was a function that should not be used after depositETH was newly developed, but it remained in the contract."Qubit also explained what actions it took:

Reddit Is Getting NFT Profile Pics, Too

Dave LeClair — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 11:46:52 GMT

Hot on the heels of Twitter adding NFT profile pictures, Reddit is looking to do the same. The website is currently testing the feature, so it could only be a matter of time until limited edition NFTs are all over Reddit.

What Are Ethereum (ETH) Gas Fees?

Sydney Butler — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 09:00:58 GMT

If you've been looking into Ethereum or Ethereum-related things such as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) or smart contracts, you've probably heard of the Ethereum "Gas" fees required. These fees must be paid to make Ethereum work, and here's why.

Stop Listening to Celebrity Advice on Crypto (and Everything Else)

Jordan Gloor — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:25:00 GMT

Some people might be getting rich off of cryptocurrency, but the learning curve for newcomers is steep. You might be tempted to overlook the complexities and simply follow the advice of someone influential, like your favorite celebrity. But is that a smart move?

YouTube Wants to Add NFTs, Surprising No One

Dave LeClair — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:35:22 GMT

It looks like YouTube wants to hop onto the NFT hype train. Of course, this should come as a surprise to no one, as just about every brand (even the USPS) is making NFTs in one form or another.

How to Purge Crypto From the Brave Browser

Jordan Gloor — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 08:00:50 GMT

Many people find the Brave browser's privacy features attractive but are turned off by its cryptocurrency features and promotions. If you're one of those people, here's how you can remove those elements and enjoy a cleaner, simpler browsing experience.

Even USPS Has NFTs Now

Dave LeClair — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 15:23:20 GMT

Stamps from the Post Office are among the most popular collectible items, and the USPS is taking that idea to the next level with its own NFTs. It brings that same level of collectability from the world of physical stamps to digital ones.

Over $30 Million Stolen in Crypto.com Hack

Dave LeClair — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 09:40:15 GMT

A considerable hack occurred on the popular cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com. The hack led to over $30 million in crypto being stolen in the form of 4,836.26 Ethereum and 443.93 bitcoin.

Opera Just Launched a Crypto Browser for Some Reason

Dave LeClair — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 10:19:54 GMT

Opera has just released a beta version of a new browser dedicated to all things cryptocurrency. It's not something anyone was asking for, but it does seem to have some useful features for people heavily invested in the crypto scene.

What Is Web3?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 09:00:05 GMT

A new buzzword has taken over the internet: Web3, also known as Web 3.0 or web3. People say it's the future---but what does that really mean? Let's take a look at what Web3 is and what it may have in store for us.

Avira Antivirus Now Mines Cryptocurrency, Too

Dave LeClair — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 12:55:16 GMT

Another antivirus is getting in on the crypto hype. This time, it's Avira. The antivirus just happens to be owned by the same company as Norton 360, which is also offering a crypto miner.

Norton 360 Antivirus Now Mines Cryptocurrency

Dave LeClair — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 11:08:07 GMT

Norton has an interesting feature tucked inside its Norton 360 antivirus subscription---a cryptocurrency miner. It's not turned on by default, but it is installed as part of your antivirus package whether you want it or not.

What Are NFTs? Meet Crypto's Digital Collectibles

Chris Hoffman — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 16:00:00 GMT

NFTs are the hot new thing in the blockchain and cryptocurrency world. Think of an NFT like a digital collector's item. It's a unique digital object, and NFTs are exploding in popularity. But what is an NFT?

Gamers Got Angry, Saved STALKER 2 from Pointless NFTs

Dave LeClair — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 10:43:06 GMT

The gaming community has spoken, and it doesn't want NFTs in games. Thankfully, the STALKER 2 devs listened and decided to drop all non-fungible tokens from its upcoming video game.

What Is a Crypto Wallet?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 08:00:16 GMT

If you want to own cryptocurrency---either because you're looking to invest or because you want to spend money online---you're going to need a crypto wallet. Using one will let you keep your crypto safe, while also allowing you to make transactions.

You Can Buy an AMC Movie Ticket With Crypto

Dave LeClair — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:34:13 GMT

Cryptocurrency is generally talked about as an investment, but let's not forget that it's a form of currency that can be used to pay for things. Now, AMC, rulers of the meme stock,Â has started accepting various currencies on its website, so you can pay for a movie with crypto.

Scammers Are Using Google Ads to Steal Cryptocurrency

Dave LeClair — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:55:24 GMT

Cryptocurrency is fascinating to look at from the outside, but it's a bit like the wild west in some ways. Scammers know this, and they're targeting unsuspecting crypto owners with malicious Google ads that direct them to fake crypto wallets.

What Is a Crypto Token?

Vann Vicente — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 08:00:46 GMT

If you've been reading about crypto and the blockchain lately, you may have encountered people talking about "crypto tokens." What exactly are these tokens and how do they differ from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin? Read on to find out.

Valve Now Bans Steam Games Using Blockchain, NFT, or Crypto

Dave LeClair — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 11:28:57 GMT

PC gaming may be an open ecosystem, but Valve sets the rules on Steam. Now, it appears that Valve is banning games with blockchain, NFT, and cryptocurrency technology from its digital storefront.Related: What Is a "Blockchain"?As of October 15, 2021, Valve lists "Applications built on blockchain technology that issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFTs" as items you "shouldn't publish on Steam" on an officialÂ support page for game developers.We checked on Archive.org for that same support page as of October 6, 2021, and the rule regarding blockchain, NFT, and cryptocurrency isn't there. It's a recent change to Valve's developer documentation.Related: What Are NFTs? Meet Crypto's Digital CollectiblesThis policy change came to light whenÂ SpacePirate Games, the developer of Age of RustÂ (a game that offers NFTs), tweeted that Valve would be kicking existing blockchain games off the Steam platform:

China Bans Bitcoin and All Cryptocurrency

Dave LeClair — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 11:19:24 GMT

The Chinese government is cracking down on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. In a big step forward in its anti-crypto plans, which started in May, the People's Bank of China has decided that crypto transactions are illegal and called for a formal ban of all Bitcoin and crypto-related transactions.

Wait, Is Walmart Really Accepting Cryptocurrency Now?

Dave LeClair — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:42:12 GMT

No, Walmart isn't accepting cryptocurrency. It's incredible how much of a difference a hoax can make. A fabrication about Walmart accepting Litecoin caused the currency's price to jump by a whopping 20% despite no reliable verification that it was happening.

How Anonymous Is Bitcoin?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Cryptocurrency, and Bitcoin especially, has a reputation for being a completely anonymous form of payment, free from tracking and interference. However, if you look a little closer, you'll see that these digital currencies reveal a lot more information about you than you might think.

What Are Online "Whales?"

Vann Vicente — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 08:30:00 GMT

A whale isn't only the largest animal in the ocean. We'll explain what online whales are and why they spend so much money on the internet.

What Does "HODL" Mean?

Vann Vicente — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 06:40:30 GMT

You're scrolling through social media, and you encounter someone saying that they're "HODLING" or telling someone else to "HODL." Confused? Here's what the word means in the world of cryptocurrency and finance---and why it's not misspelled.

What Is a "Lite Hash Rate" or "LHR" GPU?

Ian Paul — Fri, 28 May 2021 06:40:09 GMT

Forget about software. In 2021, it's cryptocurrencies that are eating the world. Thanks to miners looking to strike it rich in cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Dogecoin, prices are sky-high in the consumer market for graphics cards---if you can even find a graphics card in stock.

Why Is It So Hard to Buy a Graphics Card in 2021?

Vann Vicente — Thu, 06 May 2021 06:40:07 GMT

A global shortage of graphics cards is making it difficult for consumers to get their hands on them at a fair price. Here's why it feels impossible to buy a graphics card in 2021.

How to See How Much Money Has Been Sent to a Bitcoin Address

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 20:59:29 GMT

Your identity may be private when you use Bitcoin, but an account's transactions aren't. If you know someone's Bitcoin address---the same number you'd use to send money to them---you can look up their transaction history and current account balance.

Don't Fall For the New CryptoBlackmail Scam: Here's How to Protect Yourself

Chris Hoffman — Sat, 14 Jul 2018 06:40:00 GMT

Here's how a CryptoBlackmail scam starts: A criminal contacts you over email or snail mail and insists they have evidence you cheated on your wife, there's an assassin after you, or there's a webcam video of you watching pornography.To make the problem go away, the criminal asks for a few thousand dollars in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. But you should never respond or pay up. All the criminals have are empty threats, and they're just trying to trick you.

What Is Cryptojacking, and How Can You Protect Yourself?

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 06:40:00 GMT

Cryptojacking is the hot new way for criminals to make money using your hardware. A website you have open in your browser can max out your CPU to mine cryptocurrency, and cryptojacking malware is becoming increasingly common.

What the &#%$ is a CryptoKitty?

Chris Hoffman — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 06:40:00 GMT

The most expensive CryptoKitty ever purchased sold for $110,707 to a willing buyer. People have spent over $24 million on CryptoKitties, and the project has received $12 million in venture capital funding. But what exactly is a CryptoKitty?

What is Ethereum, and What Are Smart Contracts?

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 09 May 2018 06:40:00 GMT

Ethereum is a decentralized computing platform. It generates a crytocurrency token known as Ether. Programmers can write "smart contracts" on the Ethereum blockchain, and these contracts are automatically executed according to their code.

What's the Difference Between Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, and Others?

Chris Hoffman — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Despite their names, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Bitcoin Diamond, Bitcoin Private, and others are not the same thing as Bitcoin. They're based on Bitcoin, and are piggybacking on its name, but they're different things. Here's how to know which Bitcoin variant is which.

Why It's Nearly Impossible to Make Money Mining Bitcoin

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 06:40:00 GMT

In Bitcoin's early days, you could easily mine the cryptocurrency on your own PC. But now you need cheap electricity and a serious investment in specialized hardware to have any hope of making money.

How to Buy Bitcoin the Easy Way

Chris Hoffman — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 06:40:00 GMT

Rise or fall, people just can't stop talking about Bitcoin. Let's be clear: We're not recommending you purchase Bitcoin. But, if you have your heart set on it, here's how to do it easily---without getting scammed.

Can You Really Make Money Mining Bitcoin With Your Gaming PC?

Chris Hoffman — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 06:40:00 GMT

People mining cryptocurrency have driven up the price of GPUs. So, if you're a gamer and you already have a powerful GPU in your gaming PC, can you really make some extra cash mining cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin) with your PC?

What Are Altcoins, and Why Do They Exist?

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 06:40:00 GMT

Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency out there, and it's still the biggest---for now, at least. But, as we've explained before, Bitcoin has a lot of problems as a currency. The term "altcoin" refers to any other cryptocurrency that's not Bitcoin---in other words, they're alternatives to Bitcoin.

Thanks to Bitcoin, Buying a PC Is Better Than Building One (for Now)

Michael Crider — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 10:24:00 GMT

High-end graphics cards are in super high demand right now. Not because of a sudden bloom of PC gamers, but because they're the most efficient way of adding number-crunching power to cryptocurrency mining "rigs." This makes building a PC very, very expensive.

Bitcoin Is Not a Currency, It's an (Unsafe) Investment

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 06:40:00 GMT

If the creators of Bitcoin wanted it to act like a currency, they sure made a lot of weird decisions. Bitcoin doesn't function well as a currency, for reasons that are inherent to its design. It's an investment people are speculating on...and even then, it's more gambling than it is a stable investment.

What Is Bitcoin, and How Does it Work?

Michael Crider — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:23:00 GMT

Bitcoin, the digital currency, has been all over the news for years. But because it's entirely digital and doesn't necessarily correspond to any existing fiat currency, it's not easy to understand for the newcomer. Let's break down the basis of exactly what Bitcoin is, how it works, and its possible future in the global economy.

How to Block Cryptocurrency Miners in Your Web Browser

Chris Hoffman — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 09:00:00 GMT

Cryptocurrency miners are a new scourge on the web. Web pages can now embed JavaScript code that runs in your web browser to mine themselves Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies using your computer. The website keeps the cryptocurrency, and you get higher electric bills, 100% CPU usage that drags down your computer, and reduced battery life.

How to Protect Yourself from Ransomware (Like CryptoLocker and Others)

Chris Hoffman — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 09:28:45 GMT

Ransomware is a type of malware that tries to extort money from you. There are many variants, starting with CryptoLocker, CryptoWall, TeslaWall, and many others. They hold your files hostage and hold them for ransom for hundreds of dollars.

How Does Shopping With Bitcoin Work?

Chris Stobing — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 12:34:00 GMT

Love it or hate it, there's no denying that pretty much everyone you meet is going to have one opinion or another on the topic of Bitcoin. The digital, decentralized, encrypticized currency that only exists on the Internet and bows to no nation, Bitcoin has been predicted to either become the linchpin that completely revolutionizes how the world economy works, or could just lose the Winklevoss Twins a whole lot of their precious Facebook money when it eventually tanks.

Cryptocurrency Miners Explained: Why You Really Don't Want This Junk on Your PC

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 06:40:52 GMT

uTorrent recently made headlines for bundling cryptocurrency-mining junkware. Out of all the junkware programs bundled with installers, cryptocurrency-miners like Epic Scale are some of the worst.