Tag: data science

The 2021 Guide to Cryptocurrencies (Part 2)

Posted on by Wayne Burritt

If you’re like me, when I first got the cryptocurrency bug, I was overwhelmed by the concepts, technicalities, and mounds of jargon. All I really wanted was for someone to just give me some short snippets about the most important topics I needed to know. And to leave the minutiae for a later time.

Well, if that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. In this second part of The 2021 Guide to Cryptocurrencies, I’ll take you through two topics that are key to getting involved with the cryptocurrency and blockchain space: Why you should think hard about owning a little bitcoin and where to get started with a cryptocurrency exchange.

And in case you missed it, don’t forget to check the first part of this series. It has valuable information about what the blockchain really is, what cryptocurrency really means, and whether or not they’re right for you. It would be a good primer for this issue but isn’t necessary.

So, let’s get to it! Continue reading "The 2021 Guide to Cryptocurrencies (Part 2)" →

The 2021 Guide To Cryptocurrencies (Part 1)

Posted on by Wayne Burritt

Welcome to the 2021 Guide to Cryptocurrencies! If you’ve ever wondered what cryptocurrencies are all about, you’ve come to the right place!

This guide is perfect for just about anyone. In fact, you could be a seasoned crypto investor, a new investor to the space, or just someone who wants to learn more. No matter how you got here, this guide is built for you.

I’ve taken topics that are key to learning more about cryptocurrencies and blockchain. Then I’ve combed through every article I’ve written for INO.com over the past few months. Out of that pool of articles, I’ve selected just the right mix that are ideal for the topics you need to know about.

But before we get started, a quick word of caution. If you’re going to invest in cryptocurrencies – and there are good reasons why everyone should own a little – remember that the entire space is risky, highly volatile, and unpredictable. So, if you’re going to take the plunge, don’t devote more than 1% to 2% of your portfolio. And ask yourself if you’d be comfortable losing that 1% to 2% because you just might.

Now, with that out of the way, let’s get to the 2021 Guide to Cryptocurrencies! Continue reading "The 2021 Guide To Cryptocurrencies (Part 1)" →

What You Don't Know About Altcoins

Posted on by Wayne Burritt

What are Altcoins?

First off, the term altcoin is a portmanteau of two words, “alternative” and “coins.”

But don’t let that throw you: Alternative is the keyword here.

Alternative to what? Well, you guessed it: Bitcoin.

That’s right: Altcoins are all cryptocurrencies, except Bitcoin.

But that answer just gets us started.

So, let’s get to it! Continue reading "What You Don't Know About Altcoins" →

What The Heck Is Defi?

Posted on by Wayne Burritt

I have to admit: Decentralized Finance – or “Defi” – is one of the most fascinating aspects of the blockchain and cryptocurrencies. In fact, it’s defi that got me really excited about crypto in the first place.

So, let’s get to it!

Defi Simplified

At its heart, defi uses the blockchain to make complicated things happen while cutting out the middleman in the process. Here’s what I mean...

Right now, finance is run by a hub-and-spoke model. And that model hasn’t changed much in a long, long time. In fact, it’s pretty much the same as it was before sophisticated computers and large financial networks.

And you can see why: The hub-and-spoke model organizes most financial transactions into large financial centers around the globe, such as New York and London. When financial transactions are made, activities are generated in one of these centers. Those institutions then determine the details of the transactions and make sure that they are carried out like all the parties intended.
Really, not very complicated. And for the most part, it’s not a bad system. Continue reading "What The Heck Is Defi?" →

The Truth Behind Mining Cryptocurrency

Posted on by Wayne Burritt

If you’re like most of us, when your first heard about cryptocurrencies, you heard about Bitcoin (BTC). And as you waded through the morass of information trying to get a handle on what Bitcoin really was, one of the first big obstacles you ran into was that BTC comes into existence by a process called “mining.”

I thought to myself, “you mean like gold?”

If that stumped you, you’re not alone. I know it did me.

In fact, as I began my cryptocurrency journey, the process of mining became one of the most fascinating – and tricky – concepts to get my head around. I really didn’t know what to believe.
Well, no worries.

In today’s installment, I’ll give you the truth behind mining cryptocurrency. I’ll break down the basics of cryptocurrency mining, what it’s about, how it’s done, and why people do it. And if I’ve done my job, you’ll get a good understanding without a bunch of technical jargon.

Now, if you’re looking for a starter kit on crypto, I recommend taking a look at a high-level explanation of cryptocurrency and why it’s such a big deal. You don’t need those to get a good understanding of what we’ll talk about today, but they may be able to fill in some holes.

First off, some housekeeping items. Continue reading "The Truth Behind Mining Cryptocurrency" →