Silk Road forums

Discussion => Silk Road discussion => Topic started by: cosmicamerican on August 27, 2011, 05:01 am

Title: questions from a new user
Post by: cosmicamerican on August 27, 2011, 05:01 am
hello everyone.  i am new to all of this and a lot of terms are hard for me to understand.  i was wondering if i could get someone to clear things up for me.

1. what is pgp, why is it important, and how do you use it?

2. what is the best place to buy bitcoins?

3. what do i do if my bitcoin "provider" gets hacked and i lose them all?

4. how does one go about building a positive rep if they are not a seller?

5. am i doing the wise thing in not buying from someone b/c they lack positive feedback even though they could be the most honest, trustworthy person on here?

6. how do i encrypt something?  isn't this site and the whole TOR thing encrypted already?

thanks for any help i get and i hope SR can stay around for a very long time.
Title: Re: questions from a new user
Post by: 18kct on August 27, 2011, 05:27 am
1. pgp is encryption for files/messages it is important because it keeps a private conversation private. only the intended recipient can decode it. As to how to use it, search the forum...there is plenty on info on it all over.
2. there are tons of exchangers out there, shop for one who has reasonable fees, and payment types that you are compfortable with
3. IDK about others, but I use a bitcoin client stored on a thumb drive loaded with a full version of linux, have it set to access nodes through tor, and store an encrypted backup on yet another flash drive (they are cheap) Since I store my bitcoins locally, I am not worried about anyone getting "hacked"
4. same as you build reputation anywhere else you go...I'm sure when you walk into a new bar, you don't throw beer caps at the bartender for no reason, and I bet you pay your tab... no different here. be an honest buyer, and honest sellers will treat you right.
5. don't make purchases based entirely on feedback. good feedback can be faked, but proper communication cannot. speak with vendors before you go start spending money... ask them some questions, and get a feel about what kind of person they are. just like a local dealer. if "it's none of your fucking business" is the answer to your questions, don't give him your business.
6. google it if you can't find your answers already posted on the forum.


I hope that all made sense, cause I am tripping balls at the moment, and thought it would be fun to log in and help a bit!


peace
18kct
Title: Re: questions from a new user
Post by: cosmicamerican on August 27, 2011, 04:23 pm
thanks a lot for your help, 18kct.  i really appreciate it.