MTC and Bitcoins part 3: Web Wallets A b
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Web Wallets
A bitcoin web wallet is a tool that allows you to send & receive bitcoins. While some have more advanced features, they are not as in-depth as bitcoin exchanges and are designed as a way to send, receive, and manage Bitcoins much like a bank account. This also means that you should choose your web wallet like you would choose your bank.
Why use a Web wallet? Unlike desktop wallets, as the wallet is online you don't need to download the blockchain locally, freeing up space and CPU power on your PC. However, it's important to stay updated with your wallet service to be sure that they are operating legitimately. The vast majority are, but it's important to be aware.
Coinpunk
A mobile Bitcoin wallet Apple can't ban. Send and receive Bitcoins securely from your browser. Visit Coinpunk
Desktop Wallets
A desktop wallet can be a more secure way of storing your bitcoins than a web wallet because the wallet is stored on your own computer. You can send, receive, and store your Bitcoins like an online wallet. A desktop wallet can also be encrypted, copied to multiple devices (such as USB sticks), and backed-up for security.
Why use a Desktop Wallet? More control and privacy in managing your funds. However, you must download and continually update the blockchain to perform transactions, which can take up a lot of hard drive space and CPU power, not to mention a long time to download.
Bitcoin QT
Bitcoin-Qt is the original Bitcoin client and it builds the backbone of the network. It offers the highest levels of security, privacy, and stability. However it has fewer features and it takes a lot of space and memory. Visit Bitcoin QT
Multibit
MultiBit is a lightweight client that focuses on being fast and easy to use. It synchronizes with the network and is ready to use in minutes. MultiBit also supports many languages. It is a good choice for non-technical users. Check out Multibit
Bitcoin Armory
Armory is an advanced Bitcoin client that runs on top of Bitcoin-Qt. Expanding its features for Bitcoin power users. It offers many backup and encryption features, and it allows secure cold-storage on offline computers. Go to the Armory
Electrum
Electrum's focus is speed and simplicity, with low resource usage. It uses remote servers that handle the most complicated parts of the Bitcoin system, and it allows you to recover your wallet from a secret phrase.
Visit Electrum
Hive
Hive is an integrated, user-friendly Bitcoin wallet for Mac OS X. Check Out Hive
Mobile Wallets
Mobile wallets allow you to bring Bitcoin with you in your pocket. You can exchange coins easily and pay in physical stores by scanning a QR code or using NFC tap to pay.
Why use a Mobile Wallet? For ease of use when making payments in physical stores, Mobile Wallets are your best choice. However, they are not inherently very secure, so use with caution.
Bitcoin Wallet
Bitcoin Wallet is a lightweight mobile client for Android and BlackBerry OS. This client does not need to be associated with any online service to work. It is compatible with QR code scanning and NFC. Get a Bitcoin Wallet
Blockchain.info
Blockchain.info is an hybrid web wallet for mobiles. It is also available for iPhone in a restricted mode to fit Apple policies. It includes many blockchain.info features like web wallet backup. Go to Blockchain.info
Coinbase
Coinbase is a web wallet service that aims to be the easiest to use. It also provides an Android web wallet app, merchant tools and integration with US bank accounts to buy and sell bitcoins. Try Coinbase