technical user and only recently heard about Bitcoin from her friend
technical user and only recently heard about Bitcoin from her friend
Joe. While at a party, Joe is once again enthusiastically explaining
Joe. While at a party, Joe is enthusiastically explaining
Bitcoin to everyone around him and is offering a demonstration. Intrigued,
Bitcoin to everyone around him and is offering a demonstration. Intrigued,
Alice asks how she can get started with Bitcoin. Joe says that a mobile
Alice asks how she can get started with Bitcoin. Joe says that a mobile
wallet is best for new users and he recommends a few of his favorite
wallet is best for new users and he recommends a few of his favorite
@ -396,13 +395,13 @@ payment.
==== Receiving bitcoin
==== Receiving bitcoin
Alice uses the _Receive_ button, which displays a QR code along with a Bitcoin address, shown in <<wallet_receive>>.
Alice uses the _Receive_ button, which displays a QR code, shown in <<wallet_receive>>.
[[wallet_receive]]
[[wallet_receive]]
.Alice uses the Receive screen on her mobile Bitcoin wallet, and displays her address in a QR code format
.Alice uses the Receive screen on her mobile Bitcoin wallet, and displays her address in a QR code format
image::images/receive.png["Wallet receive screen with QR code displayed. Image derived from Bitcoin Design Guide CC-BY"]
image::images/receive.png["Wallet receive screen with QR code displayed. Image derived from Bitcoin Design Guide CC-BY"]
The QR code is the square with a pattern of black and white dots, serving as a form of barcode that contains the same information in a format that can be scanned by Joe's smartphone camera. Near the wallet's QR code is the Bitcoin address it encodes, and Alice may choose to manually send her address to Joe by copying it onto her clipboard with a tap.
The QR code is the square with a pattern of black and white dots, serving as a form of barcode that contains the same information in a format that can be scanned by Joe's smartphone camera.
[WARNING]
[WARNING]
====
====
@ -419,7 +418,7 @@ bitcoin-accepting charity.
Bitcoin transactions are irreversible. Most electronic payment networks such as credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and bank account transfers are reversible. For someone selling bitcoin, this difference introduces a very high risk that the buyer will reverse the electronic payment after they have received bitcoin, in effect defrauding the seller. To mitigate this risk, companies accepting traditional electronic payments in return for bitcoin usually require buyers to undergo identity verification and credit-worthiness checks, which may take several days or weeks. As a new user, this means you cannot buy bitcoin instantly with a credit card. With a bit of patience and creative thinking, however, you won't need to.
Bitcoin transactions are irreversible. Most electronic payment networks such as credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and bank account transfers are reversible. For someone selling bitcoin, this difference introduces a very high risk that the buyer will reverse the electronic payment after they have received bitcoin, in effect defrauding the seller. To mitigate this risk, companies accepting traditional electronic payments in return for bitcoin usually require buyers to undergo identity verification and credit-worthiness checks, which may take several days or weeks. As a new user, this means you cannot buy bitcoin instantly with a credit card. With a bit of patience and creative thinking, however, you won't need to.
[role="pagebreak-before"]
[role="pagebreak-before"]
Here are some methods for getting bitcoin as a new user:
Here are some methods for acquiring bitcoin as a new user:
* Find a friend who has bitcoin and buy some from him or her directly. Many Bitcoin users start this way. This method is the least complicated. One way to meet people with bitcoin is to attend a local Bitcoin meetup listed at https://bitcoin.meetup.com[Meetup.com].
* Find a friend who has bitcoin and buy some from him or her directly. Many Bitcoin users start this way. This method is the least complicated. One way to meet people with bitcoin is to attend a local Bitcoin meetup listed at https://bitcoin.meetup.com[Meetup.com].
* Earn bitcoin by selling a product or service for bitcoin. If you are a programmer, sell your programming skills. If you're a hairdresser, cut hair for bitcoin.
* Earn bitcoin by selling a product or service for bitcoin. If you are a programmer, sell your programming skills. If you're a hairdresser, cut hair for bitcoin.
@ -443,11 +442,11 @@ identity and banking information. Users should be aware that once a
Bitcoin address is attached to an identity, other associated bitcoin
Bitcoin address is attached to an identity, other associated bitcoin
transactions may also become easy to identify and track--including
transactions may also become easy to identify and track--including
transactions made earlier. This is one reason
transactions made earlier. This is one reason
many users choose to maintain dedicated exchange accounts unlinked to
many users choose to maintain dedicated exchange accounts independent from
their wallets.
their wallets.
====
====
Alice was introduced to bitcoin by a friend so she has an easy way to acquire her first bitcoin. Next, we will look at how she buys bitcoin from her friend Joe and how Joe sends the bitcoin to her wallet.
Alice was introduced to Bitcoin by a friend so she has an easy way to acquire her first bitcoin. Next, we will look at how she buys bitcoin from her friend Joe and how Joe sends the bitcoin to her wallet.
This quick glossary contains many of the terms used in relation to bitcoin. These terms are used throughout the book, so bookmark this for a quick reference.
This quick glossary contains many of the terms used in relation to bitcoin. These terms are used throughout the book, so bookmark this for a quick reference.