Cryptocurrency Exchanges

A crypto exchange is a digital marketplace where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, dogecoin, and ether.

A cryptocurrency exchange is very similar to traditional brokerage platforms where they offer users the ability to create an account and then buy, sell, or speculate on various cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency exchanges can be centralized (CEX) or decentralized (DEX). Centralized cryptocurrency exchanges have a third party or middle man who oversees the day-to-day operations and completes the transactions like a bank. 

Decentralized exchanges are peer-to-peer platforms, in other words, users buy and sell directly with no middleman. These exchanges operate on a network of computers and complete transactions via an automated process. Decentralized exchanges are often a better choice in terms of transparency and accountability.

To open a crypto change account you need to visit the exchange's website or download the mobile app, if they offer one. Every crypto exchange has its own registration steps although most require you to verify your identity to start buying and selling crypto. 

To prevent fraud and money laundering, the U.S. government has introduced certain Know Your Customer regulations. You'll typically need to provide: 

• Name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Mailing address

Most crypto exchanges have their own requirements, depending on the type of cryptocurrency you want to buy. Some allow you to buy fractional shares for a few dollars. Be sure to check your chosen exchange's requirements for the specific crypto coin you want to buy.

Crypto mining can be seen as a way to create new crypto coins. Cryptocurrency mining involves the validation of crypto transactions on the blockchain network, and then adding them to a distributed ledger. One important factor of crypto mining is that it prevents double-spending on the network.

When someone spends cryptocurrency, the ledget must be updated be debiting one account and crediting another. But the challenge in this is that digital platforms are easy to manipulate.This is why Bitcoin's ledger, for example, only allows verified miners to update ledger transactions.

As a reward for miners doing their work, new coins are created. This is a crucial benefit since there is no centralized authority for these distributed ledgers, so the mining process is crucial.

To start mining crypto, you'll need a computer with special software that is designed to solve complex cryptographic equations. You'll typically need a specialized GPU or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) miner. You'll also need a reliable internet connection and be a member of an online crypto mining pool.

Altcoins refer to cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. They are often similar to Bitcoin but have different characteristics. For example, some altcoins offer different capabilities, like low price volatility or smart contracts, or they can use a different way of validating transactions. 

There are around 5,000 to 7,000 cryptocurrencies in existence if you could them all (failed or not). With a market cap of close to $600 billion, the largest cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, followed by Ethereum. 

Cryptocurrencies are legal in the U.S. but are banned in some countries, like China. Whether they are legal or not will depend on each country. Always protect yourself from fraudsters who use cryptocurrencies to get money from investors. 

In short, they aren't, apart from blockchain technology. The legal status of cryptocurrencies varies between countries, e.g. countries like Morocco, Algeria, and China prohibit their operation.