Crypto

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Revision as of 07:43, 15 February 2021 by A (talk | contribs)

Getting Started

Storage

A Crypto wallet is the ideal place to keep your asset. Mobile wallets are great for carrying crypto around and being able to transact with others, however this is not the best for keeping all of your investments safe. One method used by HODLers is a desktop wallet. This guide will help you create a secure desktop environment that you can backup and move from computer to computer, while keeping your digital assets safe.

Virtual Machine

A VM is a virtual computer that runs on top of your physical computer. This should be dedicated to managing your crypto wallets, and can keep everything contained in a clean and safe environment free from malicious software. This guide will walk you through the steps of building a virtual machine.

  1. Install Virtualbox
    1. Visit https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
    2. Choose your Operating system from VirtualBox 6.1.18 platform packages
    3. Install Virtualbox
    4. Download VirtualBox Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack
  2. Download Linux Mint
    1. Visit http://mirrors.kernel.org/linuxmint/stable/20.1/linuxmint-20.1-cinnamon-64bit.iso
    2. Download the Cinnamon edition of Linux Mint
  3. Create Virtual Machine
    1. Open Virtualbox
    2. Select Machine - New
    3. Name: Mint
    4. Path: Default path is fine, but make a note of this location so you can make a backup of the folder later.
    5. Type: Linux
    6. Version Ubuntu 64-bit
    7. Next
    8. Memory Size: 4096
    9. Next
    10. Hard disk file type: VDI
    11. Storage: Dynamically Allocated
    12. File Location and size - 64gb should be fine
  4. Virtual Machine Settings
    1. Visit ItsFOSS for help installing Linux Mint
    2. This is installing a virtual computer running Linux inside of your "physical" computer. It runs in an isolated window, and is independent of the physical system that it's running on.
    3. Everything you do in this virtual machine is self contained.
    4. When creating your user account, be sure to use a strong password, and tick the box to Encrypt your home folder.

Starting your VM

You should now have a functioning Virtual Machine running Linux Mint, and have your new user name and password documented in a secure location. This is located on your physical computer in the folder you chose above for "Path".

    1. To "power on" this computer, open the VirtualBox application, click the new computer named Mint, and click Start.
    2. This should bring you to a login screen to enter your password
    3. Once you're logged in you can take a look around to familiarize yourself with your new computer.
    4. You can install updates, configure your color theme, enable Dark mode, etc.

Email Account

With your newly created computer, you should refrain from using personal identifying information.

  1. Avoid Credit card numbers and bank accounts
    1. Cryptocurrencies are useful for purchases without compromising your identity
  2. Avoid using phone numbers
    1. Services online offer temporary public phone numbers that might be used to receive SMS messages.
  3. Avoid using personal email
    1. Set up an email account that will be used ONLY inside of this new virtual machine.
    2. TutaNota and ProtonMail offer free, secure email accounts.
      1. Create an email that you can use to register for VPN, or other services that you may need related to your Crypto.

VPN

    1. To protect your privacy and anonymity, you can connect to a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
    2. Free options are available like Proton VPN
    3. Other options can be purchased to utilize higher speeds and more devices. Many offer crypto as a method of payment to further protect your privacy.
    4. Once you have selected a VPN and created your account, you can download the OpenVPN configuration file to import into Linux Mint.
      1. To import, open Settings - Network, and click the + button to add a connection
      2. Choose "Import from File" to locate the OpenVPN configuration file that you downloaded.
      3. You can add your login credentials to this before saving.

Wallet

Now that you have a Linux Mint VM running on a VPN, you can begin to configure your Crypto wallets in this private secure environment. We still need to backup the VM, but first we will install a wallet.

  1. Exodus wallet
    1. Download Exodus Wallet for one of the best cross platform, multi asset wallets.
      1. They do offer a mobile version, but we recommend against linking the mobile wallet with your desktop wallet in this case.
      2. For optimal security, you can link a Trezor hardware wallet with the Exodus desktop application. This will be covered in the future.
    2. Install Exodus by opening the installer
      1. You will be prompted for your user password
    3. Open Exodus
      1. Your first priority will be to backup your Exodus seed phrase.
      2. Within Exodus, find Settings and choose Backup.
      3. This will provide a 12 word phrase that can be used to restore your wallet if needed.
      4. This phrase should never be shared with anyone that should not have access to all of the funds in your wallet.
    4. More details about Exodus can be found here at Chainbits

Crypto Links

Bitcoin.com
AnyPay Point of Sale
Crypto Compare Market
Coinbase Exchange
EtherDelta Exchange
ShapeShift Exchange
Cash.App Exchange
Kraken Exchange
Poloniex Exchange
Bittrex
Crypto Links
Purse.io
Buy from Amazon with Bitcoin

Precious Metals

GoldSilver.com
GoldBacks
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