The bitcoin system is one of the first types of crypto-currency which has existed in the market since January 2009. What makes bitcoin different from regular currencies is the fact that bitcoin uses cryptography to monitor and control the creation and transfer of the currency between different parties. Bitcoins are generated over time at a diminishing rate, and the maximum amount of bitcoins in the market at one time is 21 million units. The usage of bitcoin eliminates the need of a third party when it comes to completing online transactions.

What makes bitcoin different from other online currency systems like Paypal is that the currency is decentralized. This means that no group or organization has a control over it. This is unlike real currency that is monitored by central authorities. Real currency is controlled in terms of the printing and distribution of coins and notes to the public. And compared to other online payment systems, there are little to zero charges to transfer bitcoins. Using bitcoins will be especially useful for businesses which carry out a majority of its transactions online.

To start using bitcoins, all you need is a bitcoin wallet. Since bitcoin is a virtual currency, you cannot hold it physically, unless you exchange it for goods and services. Your e-wallet is where your bitcoins are kept secure. E-wallets are convenient and easy to use. You can find many bitcoin wallet providers like My Wallet from blockchain.info.

Your bitcoin wallet can also be accessed via your smartphone. Having a smartphone will enable you to sell and buy bitcoins wherever you are. Apple blocks bitcoin wallets from its App Store. But if you are an Android user, many mobile apps are available for you to transact using bitcoins.

And if you feel that your bitcoin wallet is unsafe, you will want to have desktop clients to store actual bitcoins onto your laptop or PC. When you start a wallet, remember to save the file on the computer and back up the file. Make multiple backups if you feel insecure. Using bitcoins give users a sense of safety, as they are not relying on other parties like banks to take care of their funds. Most users will prefer to use the original software which has been around since the inception of bitcoins – the Satoshi Client.

After creating your wallet, you are on the way to selling and buying bitcoins. There are many ways that you can obtain this online currency. The methods include buying it from various sellers, receiving it in the form of product sales, doing actions and fulfilling conditions to obtain free bitcoins and also by mining bitcoins – only for advanced users. Bitcoin is a growing currency and will most definitely be one of the top items in the online world in the near future. For more information about bitcoins and bitcoin wallet, feel free to search the Internet for more information. With the usage of bitcoins, you will be able to earn extra income and you will have an additional way to receive and make virtual payments.