Ethereum is a decentralized platform that runs smart contracts: applications that run exactly as programmed without any possibility of downtime, censorship, fraud or third-party interference.
These apps run on a custom built blockchain, an enormously powerful shared global infrastructure that can move value around and represent the ownership of property.
This enables developers to create markets, store registries of debts or promises, move funds in accordance with instructions given long in the past (like a will or a futures contract) and many other things that have not been invented yet, all without a middleman or counterparty risk.
The project was bootstrapped via an ether presale in August 2014 by fans all around the world. It is developed by the Ethereum Foundation, a Swiss non-profit, with contributions from great minds across the globe.
1.First we’ll purchase the popular cryptocurrency Ethereum on coinbase.
2.Use this link to sign up to Coinbase we’ll both receive ten dollars of free coins when you spend over $100 (or the equivalent in your currency).
3.Press the ‘sign up’ button and fill out your name (make sure this is exactly how it’s written on your photo ID), email, password and location.
Just like a US bank, Coinbase is regulated by the US government, and has to follow strict financial rules. So they take verifying your identity very seriously. It’s a pain, but it does give Coinbase a reputation for being the most trusted way to convert fiat currency to cryptocurrency.
To verify your account you must supply a phone number, upload an image of your photo ID and verify a credit/debit card or bank account before you can buy.
4.Using a credit/debit card on Coinbase means higher fees but offers instant purchasing. Using a bank transfer is cheaper but slower (taking up to a week to get your coins).
Once your payment details are verified, click ‘buy/sell’ on the top menu.
Select ‘Ethereum’, and at the bottom of the page choose how much to spend in your local currency / how many coins you want to buy.
Once you’re happy with the amount, click the big ‘Buy’ button.
You’ll be asked to confirm your purchase.
Press the ‘Confirm Buy’ button.
Congratulations! You now own some Ethereum.