New to crypto? Start with these quick guides
Crypto is a new kind of internet-native money. In a few minutes, you’ll learn how it works, what the major assets are, and simple strategies to get started responsibly. Each guide below is concise, vendor-neutral, and kept up to date.
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrencies are digital, bearer-style assets that live on public blockchains. No single company or country controls them. The blockchain is a shared ledger that records every transaction—openly and permanently.
Popular examples include Bitcoin (digital gold) and Ethereum (a global computer for apps and tokens). Ownership is managed with cryptographic keys, making transfers direct, quick, and borderless.
Key idea: crypto removes intermediaries so value can move as easily as information.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin (BTC) is the first and largest cryptocurrency. Think of it as internet-native gold: scarce, decentralized, and built to be resistant to censorship and inflation. The network runs 24/7 with no central operator.
Every ~10 minutes, thousands of computers agree on a new block of transactions. This process—proof-of-work mining—keeps the ledger consistent worldwide.
What is Ethereum?
Ethereum (ETH) extends crypto beyond payments. It’s a programmable blockchain where developers deploy smart contracts—self-executing code—for markets, games, identity, and more.
Most of the decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT ecosystems run on—or interoperate with—Ethereum, making it a core building block of Web3.
When is the best time to invest?
Because crypto is volatile, professionals often use dollar-cost averaging (DCA): invest smaller, fixed amounts at regular intervals regardless of price. This avoids trying to time the market and reduces the impact of swings.
- Decide your budget and time horizon.
- Use a reputable exchange and enable 2FA.
- Self-custody long-term holdings where appropriate.
None of this is financial advice—build a plan that fits your risk tolerance and jurisdiction.
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