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4 changes: 0 additions & 4 deletions src/edu/en/fundamentals/core/blockchains-explained.md
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Expand Up @@ -12,19 +12,15 @@ Blockchain technology is unique due to the following characteristics:
- 📡 **Distributed:**
Instead of being stored in a single centralized location, the blockchain allows the transaction history to be held in thousands of locations simultaneously. Every participant keeps a copy, which is updated in near real-time.


- 🔗 **Peer-to-Peer:**
Any participant can add a new transaction to the global transaction history by communicating with any entity on the network. This transaction is then propagated to all other entities on that network. The absence of a “single point of access” ensures 24/7 availability and unconditional access to participation.


- 🔍 **Transparent:**
Blockchains are generally transparent, meaning the entire transaction history is public and accessible for anyone to scrutinize. While transactions are public, the identities of the entities involved are masked: third parties can see what’s happening but cannot identify who exactly was involved.


- 🔒 **Immutable:**
Once a transaction has taken place, it cannot be reversed. This ensures that no entity can alter the transaction history.


- ⚖️ **Democratic:**
All network participants are equal and abide by the same set of rules. If one entity tries to act outside the agreed-upon rules, their actions will be disregarded by other participants.

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In the world of cryptocurrency, **true ownership** stands out as one of its most significant benefits. Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology empower individuals with **self-custody**, allowing them to keep their wealth **independent**, **private**, and **easily transportable**. This was never possible before! 🚀


💵 **Traditional fiat money**, whether in your bank account or held as cash, can be **confiscated**, **sanctioned**, **or stolen**. It’s not uncommon for banks or governments to limit access to capital, restrict transactions, or even confiscate assets. In contrast, cryptocurrency enables capital ownership that is **discrete** and **resistant to censorship**.

Keeping wealth in **cash or hard assets** such as gold also comes with **security risks** and the challenge of transportation. Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, are **easy to conceal**, **convenient to transport**, and can be used almost anywhere in the world. 🌍
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3 changes: 0 additions & 3 deletions src/edu/en/fundamentals/core/cryptocurrencies-vs-tokens.md
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Expand Up @@ -4,7 +4,6 @@ Cryptocurrencies are native units of account on a given blockchain. Each blockch

- Bitcoin (symbol: **BTC**) is the base unit of the Bitcoin blockchain.


- Ether (symbol: **ETH**) is the base unit of the Ethereum blockchain.

## Smart Contracts
Expand All @@ -20,10 +19,8 @@ In many cases, smart contracts can introduce their own unit of something. For ex

- This smart contract might create a **LOTTERY** token that can be used to enter a lottery draw.


- To obtain a LOTTERY token, a user must send a predefined payment to the smart contract.


- Any interaction with the lottery smart contract is recorded as a separate transaction on the blockchain.

Tokens can take many forms, and today, crypto tokens account for nearly 99% of all cryptocurrencies.
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10 changes: 0 additions & 10 deletions src/edu/en/fundamentals/core/why-cryptocurrencies.md
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Expand Up @@ -4,38 +4,28 @@ To understand cryptocurrencies in a broad sense, we need to first understand Bit

## 1) Practical Advantages of Owning Bitcoin


- **🌍 Easily Move Capital Globally**


The ability to transfer capital across borders in a discreet manner.


- **📍 Access Capital Anywhere**

The ability to access capital from any location discreetly.

- **🤝 Transact Freely**

The ability to transact with anyone without relying on intermediaries like banks or a money transmitter service.

- **💰 Preserve & Grow Capital**

The ability to save, preserve capital, and escape inflation. In fact, the rising popularity of Bitcoin has made it an effective instrument for multiplying capital by investing in the asset long-term.

## 2) Characteristics of Bitcoin
In a broader sense, Bitcoin is a type of money that has the following characteristics:

- **🔗 Decentralized Control**

Is not controlled by any single entity.

- **📉 Fixed Supply**

Cannot be printed or inflated by any entity.

- **🛡️ Resilient**

Cannot be censored or shut down.

The main reason that attracted some of its strongest proponents (long before it became hugely popular) lies in the idea of democratic access to an alternative financial system where there are no borders or gatekeepers.
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3 changes: 0 additions & 3 deletions src/edu/en/fundamentals/transactions/sending-receiving.md
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Expand Up @@ -21,13 +21,10 @@ Simply share this address with the sender, and your cryptocurrency will appear i
For those interested in the technical side of how non-custodial transactions work, here's a breakdown of the process:

- 🛠️ **Transaction Preparation**

After you enter the recipient's details, the amount to be sent, and the transaction fee, the wallet app constructs the transaction. This preparation can occur locally on your device or through the wallet provider's server.

- 🔐 **Cryptographic Signing**

Once the transaction is ready, it is **cryptographically signed** by the wallet app using your private key. This signature is what makes the transaction non-custodial; only the private key holder can authorize a transaction that the blockchain will accept.

- 📡 **Broadcasting**

The signed transaction is then broadcasted to the blockchain network, where it awaits processing and confirmation. ⏳
6 changes: 1 addition & 5 deletions src/edu/en/fundamentals/transactions/transaction-fees.md
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While blockchain technology itself is free to use, every transaction made on a blockchain network requires a small fee. In both the Ethereum and Bitcoin networks, these transaction fees are paid by the sender directly to the blockchain. This applies to **every transaction** conducted using a non-custodial wallet. 🔗

## 💰 Paying Transaction Fees

## 💰 Paying Transaction Fees
Transaction fees must be paid in the **native cryptocurrency** of the blockchain being used. For example, on the Ethereum blockchain, fees are paid in ETH, while on the Bitcoin blockchain, fees are paid in BTC. 🔄

If you are sending USDT (Tether) on the Ethereum network, you'll need ETH to cover the transaction fee. On the other hand, if you're sending USDT on the Tron blockchain, the fee would be paid in TRX (Tron). 💱

It's not uncommon for newcomers to be confused when asked to deposit some ETH, TRX, or another cryptocurrency to send USDT via a non-custodial wallet. 🤔

## 🎯 Purpose of Transaction Fees

Transaction fees serve several **crucial purposes**. One of the primary reasons for these fees is that blockchain networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum can process only a limited number of transactions per day. To prioritize transactions, users can offer higher fees, ensuring their transfers are processed more quickly. This creates an open market where those needing faster confirmations can pay for priority. ⚡

Additionally, fees act as a deterrent against spam attacks. Without fees, it would be easy for bad actors to flood the blockchain with spam transactions, congesting the network and slowing down legitimate transfers. 🛡️

## 🤑 Who Receives the Fees?

You don't need to dive deep into the technical details, but it's useful to know that thousands of nodes (or miners in the Bitcoin network) power the blockchain. When you send a transaction, it is broadcasted to these nodes within seconds. The node that first adds your transaction to the blockchain earns the transaction fee as a reward. 🏆

Each time you make a transaction, a different node processes it and collects the fee. Consider this as a service charge for using the network. 🔧

## 📊 Fees Are Dynamic

Transaction fees are **not fixed**; they fluctuate based on the current state of the blockchain. When the network is congested or experiencing high demand, fees can increase significantly, sometimes reaching several dollars per transaction. Conversely, when the network is less busy, fees can drop to just a fraction of a cent. 📈📉

If your transaction fee is set well below the network's average, your transaction may remain pending for hours or even days. In extreme cases, it may be rejected entirely, as if it were never sent. On the other hand, paying a fee above the average ensures that your transaction is processed quickly, often within seconds or minutes, depending on the blockchain's conditions. ⏳
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9 changes: 3 additions & 6 deletions src/edu/en/fundamentals/transactions/transaction-states.md
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Expand Up @@ -4,16 +4,14 @@ Cryptocurrency transactions are **not instantaneous**. Depending on the specific

When using a non-custodial wallet, transactions are processed directly through the blockchain, following these stages:

## 1) ⏳ Transaction Is Pending

## 1) ⏳ Transaction Is Pending
Once a transaction is sent from the sender's non-custodial wallet, it reaches the underlying blockchain network almost instantly. For example, Bitcoin transactions are sent to the Bitcoin network, while Ether transactions are sent to the Ethereum network. Each node participating in that blockchain receives the transaction within seconds. If the transaction is valid, it is added to the processing queue for inclusion in the blockchain (the permanent record). 🔗

At this stage, both the sender and recipient can monitor the transaction's status on a public blockchain explorer, such as https://blockchair.com. 🔍

The time a transaction remains pending varies depending on the blockchain and is largely influenced by the **transaction fee** set by the user. If the fee is well above the average of other transactions in the queue, it will be processed quickly. Conversely, if the fee is significantly lower, the transaction will have to wait until its fee becomes competitive enough to be processed. 💸

## 2) ✅ Transaction Gets Confirmed

## 2) ✅ Transaction Gets Confirmed
A transaction is considered successful when it is included in the blockchain. This inclusion occurs in batches called "**blocks**." 🧱

Each block typically holds a few thousand transactions. New blocks are constructed from a pool of pending transactions in the queue. Priority is given to transactions that pay higher fees. 🥇
Expand All @@ -22,8 +20,7 @@ On the Bitcoin network, new blocks are added to the blockchain approximately eve

The time it takes for a transaction to be confirmed is directly proportional to the fee set by the sender and the current network conditions. If the blockchain is busy with many pending transactions, confirmation may take longer, requiring users to set higher fees for urgent payments. 🚀

## 3) 🔒 Transaction Is Final

## 3) 🔒 Transaction Is Final
Once the transaction has been added to the blockchain, it is considered final. However, for certain blockchains, particularly Bitcoin, it is recommended to wait for a specific number of new blocks to be added after the initial confirmation before considering the transaction irreversible. 🔐

When a transaction is added to the blockchain, it is said to have received **one confirmation**. As additional blocks are added, the number of confirmations increases. For instance, after the next block is added, the transaction will have two confirmations, and so on. 🔢
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5 changes: 0 additions & 5 deletions src/edu/en/fundamentals/wallets/crypto-wallet-explained.md
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Expand Up @@ -7,7 +7,6 @@ Cryptocurrency wallet apps are tools designed to store and manage these private
## Crypto Wallets vs Crypto Wallet Apps

While these terms are often used interchangeably in the non-custodial crypto world, it's important to understand the distinction between them:

- Crypto Wallet: Typically refers to a "digital" wallet that can store various cryptocurrencies and tokens. Each crypto wallet is controlled by a single private key. 💰
- Crypto Wallet App: A piece of software, usually in the form of a mobile app or hardware device, that can generate and manage an unlimited number of crypto wallets. 📲

Expand All @@ -26,17 +25,13 @@ How do you identify a non-custodial wallet app? A non-custodial wallet app shoul
Non-custodial wallets come in various types. While all non-custodial wallets are designed for the secure storage of private keys, not all wallets are created equal. Understanding the types of non-custodial wallets is crucial for making informed choices about securing your cryptocurrency.

- **Hardware Wallets:** 💾

While these are secure, they can be complex to use and are not suitable for daily transactions. They also have limited features, can be difficult to use, and are unfortunately easily identifiable as crypto storage devices.

- **Mobile Wallets:** 📱

These offer a good balance between convenience, privacy, and security. While they may be less secure than hardware wallets, they are generally much easier to use and easier to conceal.

- **Desktop Wallets:** 💻

These are less secure compared to hardware or mobile wallets. Typically, it's not recommended to keep large sums on a wallet that resides on your all-purpose desktop computer or laptop.

- **Browser Wallets:** 🌐

These are considered the **least secure** due to a wide array of potential security breaches.
34 changes: 11 additions & 23 deletions src/edu/en/fundamentals/wallets/hardware-wallets.md
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# Hardware Wallets

Newcomers to cryptocurrency are often advised to use hardware wallets like Trezor or Ledger. While these wallets are secure in theory, they are **far from ideal** in practice.

There are several important considerations and risks associated with hardware wallets that are often overlooked. Let's explore why hardware non-custodial wallets may not be as perfect as they seem. 🕵️‍♀️

## 📚 Hardware Wallets in Theory

## 📚 Hardware Wallets in Theory
All non-custodial wallets—whether desktop apps, mobile apps, or hardware devices—share one crucial feature: they generate and store **private keys**, which are essential for owning and managing cryptocurrency. 🔑

In theory, hardware wallets are considered superior for key safety because it's generally more challenging to find vulnerabilities in a device built for a specific purpose by a small, focused team than in a general-purpose operating system like Windows, Android, or iOS. 🛡️

## 🛠️ Hardware Wallets in Practice

## 🛠️ Hardware Wallets in Practice
In reality, there are several practical issues that diminish the advantages of hardware wallets:

1) 🛒 Purchase and Setup

1) 🛒 Purchase and Setup
The process of buying and setting up a hardware wallet is still **complicated and not very user-friendly**, especially for those new to crypto. Security and privacy considerations—such as where to buy, which delivery address to use, and how to set up and back up the wallet—can be daunting. Many people mistakenly buy devices from unauthorized resellers or receive tampered devices, resulting in the loss of funds once they deposit their cryptocurrency. 😰

2) 💦 Vendor Data Leaks

2) 💦 Vendor Data Leaks
There have been several cases where hardware wallet vendors had their client databases breached, exposing user names, emails, and physical addresses. This poses serious risks, particularly for high-net-worth individuals or those living in high-crime areas. 🚨

3) 🎣 Phishing Attacks

3) 🎣 Phishing Attacks
Once user data is exposed, those users become prime targets for phishing attacks. Hackers may send emails posing as the wallet vendor, often announcing updates or other notifications. Users should be **extremely cautious** with such emails and avoid updating unless absolutely necessary. 🚫

4) 🔄Ongoing Usage

4) 🔄Ongoing Usage
Hardware wallets are not well-suited for frequent use. If you store large amounts of cryptocurrency on a hardware wallet, carrying the device with you can pose a greater security risk than using a non-custodial mobile wallet, which is more convenient for regular transactions. 📱

5) 🏦Safe Storage of the Device

5) 🏦Safe Storage of the Device
Users must keep the hardware wallet hidden and safe from damage, while also securely storing backups of the private keys separately. This can be more challenging than it seems and may even defeat the purpose of using a hardware wallet. 🤦‍♂️

6) 👥Team Behind the Wallet

6) 👥Team Behind the Wallet
The qualifications of the team behind the hardware wallet are crucial. Established vendors like Trezor and Ledger have experienced teams, but newer or lesser-known brands may not offer the same level of security or reliability. 🏢

7) 🛠️Lack of Features

7) 🛠️Lack of Features
Hardware wallets often lack the additional features that are available in mobile wallets. The versatility of mobile operating systems allows for the integration of enhanced security features and tools that make ongoing usage and safe storage more manageable. For example, mobile wallets can offer biometric security, built-in exchanges, or multi-asset management, which aren't available on most hardware devices. 📲

8) 👀Visibility and Discreetness

8) 👀Visibility and Discreetness
Hardware wallets are easily recognizable as cryptocurrency storage devices, which can attract unwanted attention and pose security risks, especially if carried around. 🕵️‍♂️

## 🎓Conclusion

#### 🎓Conclusion
While hardware wallets are often recommended for their security, they are **not without significant drawbacks**. For many users, especially those who are less technically experienced, the complexities and risks associated with hardware wallets may outweigh their theoretical benefits. ⚖️
2 changes: 0 additions & 2 deletions src/edu/en/fundamentals/wallets/importing-wallets.md
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# Importing Wallets

Migrating or importing a wallet from one non-custodial wallet app to another is a **straightforward process**, provided the apps are standards-compliant. In essence, any wallet created in a non-custodial wallet app should be universally compatible with other similar apps. 🔀

This compatibility allows users to seamlessly switch between wallet apps without losing access to their funds. Remarkably, the same wallet can even be active on multiple apps simultaneously. 🔗
Expand All @@ -9,5 +8,4 @@ To restore or migrate a wallet, users only need the wallet's **mnemonic phrase**
However, it's important to note that if you are migrating a wallet containing multiple cryptocurrencies and tokens, only those supported by the destination wallet app will be accessible. For instance, if you're migrating a wallet holding both Ethereum and Bitcoin to an Ethereum-only wallet app, only the Ethereum balance will be available. ⚠️

## Bitcoin-Specific Considerations 🅱️

When migrating a wallet that holds Bitcoin (or Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin), you must ensure that the **correct address type** for the selected coin is specified. Many older wallets may use legacy address formats, while newer ones adopt updated formats. Certain wallet apps, like Unstoppable Wallet, support all address formats, simplifying the migration process. 🏛️➡️🆕
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