The safest, easiest way to start with Bitcoin, Ethereum and the BlockChain - Coinbase
To kick things off you need to convert some currency often referred to as fiat currency into a crypto or digital currency/ token. A currency is simply what you would be using day to day in your own country, that is issued by countries to be the legal tender whose value is backed by the government that issued it. Examples are US Dollars (USD), Euro (EUR).
The main reason of why we would want to change a fiat currency to a digital token (like Bitcoin) would be because fiat currencies are centralised/ controlled and issued by one authority in each country and further money 'creation' is controlled by large banks and institutions that are given the legal right to create debt - or more money. Most digital blockchain based currencies are decentralised. No one organisation controls the creation and the rules of each currency are determined by a consensus of the entire community involved with the token. The key element here is that you are moving power away from governments and organisations and back to yourself. Of course, there are layers of complexity that go well beyond this simple explanation, however understanding this concept is the starting point.
We are all familiar with websites and apps so getting started is super easy. A very widely known and well-respected platform/ coin wallet is Coinbase (please use this referral link to check it out https://www.coinbase.com/join/5802e378e7657f6430e97e7f)
When you log into Coinbase you will need to submit some personal details and link either a credit card, debit card, or bank in order to start purchasing Cryptocurrencies with your fiat money. The thing I really like about the Coinbase system is that has caps on how much digital tokens/ coins you can purchase depending on your accounts verification limits and status. Coinbase will allow you to purchase USD$100 per week of one of three leading tokens, Bitcoin, Ethereum or Litecoin. We will review each of these in time to come. Once you complete verification steps you can then increase that limit.
From the Coinbase wallet, you can easily hold your digital cash/ tokens on your mobile and desktop as it is a cloud-based platform. This creates a layer of safety for those like me so run their technology into the ground and prevents full loss of your coins if you lose a phone or spill coffee all over your computer! Another benefit of the Coinbase wallet is that you can easily move your coins to other platforms - this could be if you are keen to start trading, if you want to participate in some ICO's (be careful to read more before trying to send as sometimes different ICO's dont accept coins from this particular wallet), or if you simply want to use your coins to pay for everyday items.
This is the BEGINING - not the end.
I know there will be many advanced BlockChain people out there who are going to recommend other wallets with greater levels of privacy and protection, even devices that are independatnt of being online and I agree. When you start having some significant wealth and holdings of digital tokens you will need to protect yourself further. As a starting point, this is easy, fast and simple for anyone to get the ball rolling.
Enjoy the ride - KTB