Bitcoin Update

Bitcoin Update

Bitcoin Update

The Latest Bitcoin Update and Why It Matters for Your Privacy

Bitcoin Update

Bitcoin has been exploding as of late. For those who are concerned with getting web hosting and other services without needing to disclose who they are, this news about Bitcoin should be relevant and promising.

Just What Is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is what’s known as a cryptocurrency, which means essentially that is’ a means of sending money from one party to another online using a secure and largely anonymous process. One way of describing this process is a block chain. Basically, all transactions on Bitcoin are done publically and using mathematical equations.

This helps to make Bitcoin more private, especially with the additional encrypted used on it. There’s some debate on exactly what level Bitcoin provides, with many sources, such as the Bitcoin site itself, saying that cash is always going to be more anonymous.

Bitcoin News

The big news about Bitcoin in recent days is that the value of it is going up and up. One of the reasons why this is particularly relevant to those seeking privacy and security online is because there has been some concern in the past about the stability of Bitcoin. People have proclaimed the ultimate destruction of the cryptocurrency, and cryptocurrencies in general, for some time.

Recently, there was a spike in Bitcoin value, showing that the cryptocurrency still has life in it. It does look like there’s some correction needed in the market, of course, since there have been major dips after the spike as well. Just as an example, there was a week when the currency went all the way up to $2800 at its height, where it was trading as $200 per coin in 2013. There’s no doubt that there are some risks inherent in the currency as it moves up and down in a way that is unpredictable, but there’s also a lot of potential there as well.

Why Bitcoin Matters in General

There are a number of situations online where you would prefer a higher level of security and anonymity than you would get otherwise. For example, if you wanted to seek out hosting services from a company such as OrangeWebsite, you might be concerned that this money transaction can be traced back to you.

However, with the independent nature of Bitcoin, you can gain a level of privacy that many other electronic forms of transfer don’t provide. For example, credit cards require you to list your name and address so tracking you is easy. Bitcoin doesn’t require this. Once you fund a wallet, this wallet is accessible to anyone who has the mathematical key to it.

This means you definitely need to remember your key, and you definitely need to keep it to yourself, but it also means that it won’t be trivial to find you the way it is with credit cards.

How the Bitcoin Update Affects Your Finances and Privacy

All this is to say that Bitcoin appears to be here to stay, despite its occasional instability. It also means that for some, it could represent a multi-purpose tool. For example, those who want to invest in Bitcoins can use some of this investment in order to pay for things privately and securely in a way that’s more independent and harder to track. In other words, you can accomplish multiple goals by working with just one thing, namely Bitcoins.

Plus, you’d be surprised how useful this is since there are more places where Bitcoins can bail you out then it might seem like initially. For example, some countries have bans on certain types of products and services. This isn’t to say that the product or service is illegal, just that traditional ways of paying for these services may be just about impossible to pay for because all the major credit card companies cave to pressure from governments or other institutions to not allow people from their country to use these common credit cards to pay.

This includes products like medication that has been reviewed as being OK by most countries in the world but banned by a few, for example. It can also include various kinds of services like Virtual Private Networks for privacy. Bitcoin can make paying for these products or services possible logistically when it wouldn’t have been otherwise.

But this isn’t necessarily limited just to items that are controversial. When you rely on credit cards and banks, they are often directly beholden to government control. As long as you are in a country that doesn’t try to limit what you want to do, this is obviously a new problem. But some countries may restrict your Internet freedom.

They may prevent you from getting hosting from the companies you want to use, whether this is Orangewebsite or any other for no other reason than the company isn’t approved by your country of origin or any number of other unfair reasons.

So, the news of Bitcoin having the occasional surge and continuing to survive despite all naysayers that predict its doom over and over indicates that there may be enough faith in Bitcoin that more and more websites will start taking it as a form of payment.

This is good news if you don’t wish to announce your choice for hosting, VPN, medication, or anything else that any number of credit agencies, governments, or anyone else that might be spying on you online.

For more information about Bitcoin Updates and using Bitcoin to pay for hosting, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

WorldCoin, the Faster Cryptocurrency

WorldCoin, the Faster Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency. It's still the best known and most widely used, but it's far from the only one. The first attempt at anything will have problems, and Bitcoin's biggest problem is that it takes a long time to confirm transactions. WorldCoin is an alternative that confirms transactions in minutes. OrangeWebsite accepts payment in both Bitcoin and WorldCoin. Either way, you get complete anonymity, and all you have to give us is an email address.

Cryptocurrency and blockchains

Cryptocurrencies depend on blockchain technology. It's a “distributed ledger” which depends on two factors to guarantee its integrity. First, transactions are digitally signed. A wallet has an encryption key for authorizing transactions, so no one except its owner can spend its money. Second, many copies of the ledger are available on the Internet, under the control of different people. Changing one copy against the rules — for instance, to delete a transaction — will put it out of sync with all the other copies, and a comparison process will reject it.

This comparison takes time, though. Until a transaction is confirmed, a wallet could have insufficient funds. The confirmation time is inconvenient when people are in a hurry, especially for live transactions. Sometimes it takes hours, and no one would want to wait that long in a store. We recognize that when you're setting up a new website with us, you'd like to finish the process in one sitting, rather than having to come back when the payment finally goes through.

Comparison with Bitcoin

WorldCoin is similar to Bitcoin in many ways, but its blockchain design gives a confirmation time of about a minute. As with Bitcoin, new WorldCoins can be produced by computational “mining.” Unlike Bitcoin, there is a hard limit of 265 million on the number that can ever be mined. About 113 million are currently in existence. This limit is intended to make sure WorldCoin appreciates over time. Currently, though, its price is lower than it has been historically. (That could change by the time you read this article. Always check current prices before investing!)

The market price of 1 WorldCoin is a fraction of a cent, compared with over $1,000 for 1 Bitcoin. That doesn't actually matter, as long as you know the exchange rate. It just means that the same amount of money is a much bigger number of WorldCoins. It doesn't tell you whether the value will go up or down in the future. People like to speculate in cryptocurrencies, but that's a high-stakes game which is beyond the scope of this article. Both currencies work as practical payment systems.

Bitcoin is unquestionably easier to work with in many ways. It's been around a while and has a fairly mature ecosystem. With WorldCoin, you're venturing into less explored territory. If you're comfortable with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, or if you just enjoy trying out new things, you should be able to find your way.

Getting started

The first step is to create a WorldCoin wallet. The website offers wallet installation instructions. The procedure isn't as simple and polished as with Bitcoin, where many software alternatives are available. Allow enough time to figure it out.

The next step is easier than with Bitcoin. You can use the faucet to get a small amount of WorldCoin. It won't be enough to buy you anything, but it will help you get a feel for the wallet's operation.

To get meaningful quantities of WorldCoin, you either have to get paid in it or exchange for it. The easiest way is to use a WorldCoin exchange. Be sure to pick one with a good reputation, not just the first one you encounter. Anyone can set up an exchange, and some can be unreliable, give you a poor exchange rate, or defraud you. CoinGecko lists four exchanges that handle WorldCoin.

If you're buying with a credit card or from your bank account, then you're giving the exchange information about your identity. In some countries, the mere act of purchasing cryptocurrency might flag you as a suspect. However, it is the most convenient way to get WorldCoin.

Be sure to use a different password for the exchange than for your wallet. Don't put temptation in the path of an exchange, even if it's an honest one. Don't leave your coins sitting in the exchange any longer than you have to. They're safer in your wallet than on any online site.

The future of WorldCoin?

WorldCoin has a small user base compared with Bitcoin, so it's more prone to fluctuations. Those who like taking risks may enjoy the ups and downs. People who just want to use it as a method of fast payment can put in just enough money to cover their immediate plans.

The UNOCS (United Open Currency Solutions) group, formed in 2013, included WorldCoin, Feathercoin, and Phenixcoin. The goal was to join forces for software development. However, Feathercoin soon pulled out, and PhenixCoin (not to be confused with the still-active PhoenixCoin) collapsed. People lost WorldCoins in Phenix's associated exchange, PhenixEx, which is doubtless why WorldCoin warns people so strongly against leaving their coins in exchanges. WorldCoin proved more durable than either of the other currencies, and it's still going strong.

We think WorldCoin has a promising future, and that's why we're accepting payments in it. You can set up a service plan with us, pay in WorldCoin, and get confirmation in about a minute. We also accept Bitcoin if you're less adventurous. We believe in offering you a choice.

To learn all about how you can set up an anonymous, uncensored website with OrangeWebsite, please contact us.

Online Shopping – 10 Things to Keep in Mind

An image of 3D man thinking about domain name.

Shopping online is more popular than ever before. Choose wisely when selecting where you buy from, and only shop on approved websites.

Online shopping has changed the retail industry by providing customers with 24/7 access to everything they could ever think of purchasing. There’s really very little need any more to go to physical stores. But just how great is that? Here are five pros and five cons of online shopping to consider before you make another purchase:

Pros

  1. Convenience: This is, of course, the main reason people shop online. They don’t need to leave their homes to go to a store (or several stores). They can even buy groceries online. Online shopping means that consumers can buy what they want when they feel like it or when they have time for it.

 

  1. Instant Price-Matching: Instead of going to several stores to find the best deal, consumers can simply open up several tabs and click through the stores’ online sites to see what the best bargain is. Online coupon sites even reward consumers for shopping online with cash back or points incentives.

 

  1. No Crowds: Those of us who are not fond of standing in line or being shoved around by strangers at the mall can appreciate the luxury of shopping in complete solitude without pushy customers or salespeople interfering.

 

  1. Discretion: Shopping online allows consumers to purchase all their more intimate or sensitive items without embarrassment or uncomfortable conversations with the sales staff.

 

  1. Saves Money: That little shopping cart in the corner of the screen lets consumers know exactly how much they are going to be paying. Seeing the total at the end allows customers the chance to review their purchases and put something back. Consumers are far less likely to put an item in a real shopping cart back once the cashier tells them their total.

 

Cons

  1. Identity theft: While most sites are relatively secure, security breaches do occur, which can result in headaches and potentially lost money for the consumer. If you want to avoid this possibility altogether, shopping in stores with cash is your best option.

 

  1. No Fitting Rooms: Buying clothes online is risky, unless you are completely familiar with the particular article of clothing you are purchasing. Without a chance to try something on, you have no guarantee that it will fit you or even look good on you until you receive it in the mail.

 

  1. Returns: If you do decide to return something, you often have to send it back through the mail instead of taking it to a store. While this isn’t an altogether impossible task, it can be time-consuming and aggravating.

 

  1. Quality: Just like size, quality is something you cannot necessarily see based solely on a two-dimensional screen. You cannot see every feature of something like a dishwasher online, and may miss details you would notice in the store.

 

  1. Customer Service: The main thing missing from the online shopping experience is a helpful sales staff who can answer your questions and offer you guidance. Online consumers shop alone and don’t have someone to talk to about a product the way that in-store shoppers do.

So what’s better, online or in-store shopping? Probably neither – it all depends on your personal preferences and what you’re buying. If you haven’t yet ventured into the world of online shopping, it can be a satisfying and easy experience. Yet there are always going to be some items like clothes or appliances that you’ll want to see in person before purchasing.

Iceland Airwaves – A Music Festival on Volcanoes

A cheering crowd in front of a stage at a music event

Iceland Airwaves took place 4th – 8th of November 2014. Since the first one was held in 1999, Iceland Airwaves has become an annual celebration for local and foreign music lovers.

When you think of Iceland, images of fiery volcanoes, imposing mountains, craggy peaks and vast glaciers come to mind. Iceland also has rich green land, vibrant cities, and farms, but more importantly, it has a rich creative culture that has bound its society together from ancient history to modern times.

Icelandic culture and lifestyle is unique in that it is deeply rooted in ancient heritage. It’s a close-knit, relatively small population with an enterprising spirit, especially when it comes to honing its creative crafts. From writing to painting, to composing and designing, Iceland has a definite creative edge. Iceland is well known for its ancient sagas, such as Egil’s Saga, which go back as far as the 1200s. These days, it is known for its award-winning films and music.

The most recent of these creative waves to hit Iceland was the Airwaves music festival, a yearly event that rocks for five days with a variety of music. This year’s festival was graced by a huge range of sound, from the delicate and rich work of Icelandic Symphony Orchestra to the screaming poetry of Kaelan Mikla. Five days of music in Iceland can barely scratch the surface of what the country has to offer, but it’s certainly a great time.

In fact, the Airwaves line-up held more than just Icelanders. If you found yourself there on the right day, you’d also be able to listen to the cathartic music of the U.S. group Future Islands, the wistful melodies of Norway’s Farao, or the “sound bombs” of Poland’s BNNT.

For five days, this spectacular festival invites artists to perform both on venue and off, rollicking in musical creativity and freedom. 219 bands and their fans from various countries around the world came to Iceland to celebrate. The island may have been a bit crowded for a week, but that’s really what Iceland loves to do: share creative endeavours.

Five Essential Souvenirs from Iceland

The blue water between the lava stones covered with moss just outside The Blue Lagoon Resort

Iceland is full of exciting adventures waiting for you at every turn.

If you’re going to travel to an exotic destination like Iceland, it’s a good idea to get a souvenir or two. Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, there are some very special things travellers should see (and possibly bring home).

1. Volcanic Jewellery

While volcanoes may not immediately come to mind when thinking about Iceland, appearances can be deceiving. In fact, Iceland has many active volcanoes, and they can be quite disruptive. The country’s famed volcanic glass jewellery, with accents of pure silver, is something you won’t find anywhere else.

2. Sweaters, Scarves, and Knitted Things

Iceland is a country with Scandinavian heritage, so it knows how to stay warm when things cool down. While it may sound like a bit of a cliché souvenir, wool knitwear from Iceland is warm, soft, stylish, and it has a distinct look and feel, so you definitely won’t regret it. Best of all, it pretty much lasts forever, so you’ll always have a warm memory of your trip.

3. Gifts from The Blue Lagoon

This is one of Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions. While it’s something to see all on its own, the Blue Lagoon also boasts a gift shop full of unique products that will keep your skin soft and hair gleaming. Naturally made with minerals, geothermal seawater, and other materials from the lagoon, there’s nothing else quite like them. If you get the chance to see the lagoon and try out its beauty treatments, you’ll definitely want to take some of the magic home with you.

4. Atson Leather

Famed far and wide, Atson Leather produces quality, handmade leather goods that come in a wide variety of styles of choices. From jackets and coats to backpacks and briefcases, Atson has something for everyone’s budget level. Even if all you can afford is a spotted seawolf keychain (it’s a very special sort of fish found in Iceland), it’s a unique, attractive souvenir that will be sure to hold all kind of memories.

5. A Guide to Trolls

While Iceland isn’t geographically speaking part of Scandinavia, it shares a great deal of Scandinavia’s culture. This includes trolls, often-gigantic magical creatures who turn to stone in the sun. There are several locations all throughout Iceland where these troll rocks still stand, and for those who want to come and see something unusual a collected guide of famous troll locations would make for a great sightseeing aid. Some of these books even have places inside them where you can mark off the trolls you’ve seen and the ones you want to get to.