
What is Bitcoin Core?
Bitcoin Core, the reference implementation of the Bitcoin protocol, serves as the backbone of the entire Bitcoin network. Among its myriad features, running a Bitcoin Core node is a fundamental aspect that empowers users with control, security, and a deeper understanding of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The Basics of a Bitcoin Core Node
A Bitcoin Core node is essentially a software program that fully validates and relays transactions on the Bitcoin network. It maintains a complete copy of the blockchain, the public ledger containing all transaction history, and participates in the process of block validation and consensus.
Why Run a Bitcoin Core Node?
- Autonomy and Security: Running a Bitcoin Core node means you’re not relying on third-party services to verify transactions. By having a local copy of the blockchain, you independently validate and confirm the accuracy of transactions, enhancing the security of your financial interactions.
- Network Health: Nodes play a vital role in maintaining the robustness of the Bitcoin network. By running a node, you actively contribute to the decentralization and distribution of the network, reducing its susceptibility to central points of failure.
- Privacy and Anonymity: When you use a third-party wallet or service, you might be sharing your transaction data with that entity. Operating your Bitcoin Core node allows you to keep your financial information private, minimizing the exposure of your activities to external parties.
- Supporting the Network: The more nodes there are on the network, the more resilient it becomes against attacks and censorship. Running a Bitcoin Core node is a way to contribute to the strength and decentralization of the overall Bitcoin infrastructure.
- Full Validation: Bitcoin Core nodes enforce all of Bitcoin’s rules, ensuring that the network remains secure and adheres to the established protocol. This is crucial for the overall integrity of the system.
Setting Up a Bitcoin Core Node
Setting up a Bitcoin Core node may seem daunting, but various resources and tutorials are available to guide users through the process. The official Bitcoin Core website provides detailed instructions, and there are community forums where experienced users are often willing to help newcomers. You can download it on the Bitcoin.org website and checksum the file.

Select your operating system and Wallet flavour
There is a diverse range of flavors or types of purse/node. However, the one mentioned in this post is recommended to download, Bitcoin Core.
Because of the quality of maintenance and its long history. Being so, the original and first software for individual sovereignty of the long road started by Satoshi Nakamoto and continued by the community.

Install and start your Bitcoin Node and Wallet
After install your Bitcoin Node & Wallet open it and will pop as the following image shows. Depending on the device on which it is installed, it may take more or less time to open. However it is presumed that it should not take more than a minute. Once it starts loading wait while it starts showing the image posted below.

The peace of mind of becoming a sovereign human
Now, as a sovereign human you won’t need to be concerned about the security of a cryptocurrency exchange, third-party services or websites of questionable diligence.
Create your new wallet by following the steps provided by the software itself, keep your private keys safe and start updating the installation to synchronize with the network.
Note:
It is recommended to download the full blockchain. However, the blockchain starts to take up considerable space. As casual or little advanced users you can enable the node pruning option, and keep it with approximately 2 to 5 gigabytes of your choice to speed up the process.
Key point on why to use it instead of hold on exchanges
Running a Bitcoin Core node is more than just a program install, t’s a commitment to the principles of decentralization, security, and financial autonomy. Whether you’re a casual user or a dedicated enthusiast, exploring the world of Bitcoin nodes can deepen your understanding of the technology and contribute to the resilience of the entire Bitcoin network. Plus it provides the sovereignty to keep your bitcoins under your private key. Remember:
Not your keys, not your coins.
Key points of the power of using Bitcoin Core
- No sign-up Required: Third-party Bitcoin services can both increase and decrease your privacy. They can increase it by mixing your transactions with those of other users; they can decrease it by tracking your activity and directly associating it with your real name or other identifying information.
- Perfect privacy for received transactions: There are 230 million transactions on the Bitcoin block chain. How do you find which ones pay you? Here are some common options:
- Strong privacy for sent transactions: Can you guess who made which transactions? Nearly all peer-to-peer lightweight clients today make no attempt to obscure their sent transactions. They simply send them to some or all of their peers.