Bitcoin Forum

Basically What is a Bitcoin node exactly and whta do I need to setup one ? Possible to run it on my PC or not ? (Yes even if I don't shutdown my PC) but should I open ports etc ... ?
Anyway please give me the needed informations and what should I know about Bitcoin notes . thanks

Bitcoin node is basically a Bitcoin core setup that allows the relaying of transactions and allow clients to connect to you to download blocks. This strengthens the Bitcoin infrastructure and enables people running Bitcoin client near you to download blocks faster. It is possible to run on any PC that has a ram of at least 1GB ,at least 40GB of disk space and internet connection. To allow clients to connect to you, open port TCP 8333. The network needs stable nodes with high uptime and speed rather than computers that shuts down often as other clients would have to find another node when you shut it down.

Bitcoin Nodes relay data across the blockchain.
people need it of course to transact, but don't worry there are already a lot of nodes, but it would be great if you became one.

to become a Bitcoin Node, start up the Bitcoin Core and open the ports needed.

I see , let's say all nodes close or whatever , Bitcoin won't work or Bitcoin Core is the one that won't be able to work ?


I only Open Bitcoin Core and ports and that's it ? and is there is any option on the Bitcoin Core to check if I'am running the node right or I should get a messag eor something ?

In order to become a node all you simply need to do is run the bitcoin client.

Opening ports too as the other member said , right ?
but is there is any option to know that I'am doing it right and I didn't do anything wrong ?

There's a tab where it shows incoming and outgoing data.
If it shows that you are sending and receiving large amounts of data then you've probably done it right.

If all Bitcoin Nodes close, then that means no one's using Bitcoin anymore, because every Bitcoin wallet is connected to a Bitcoin Node to
transact Bitcoin.

Alright then , I guess I will just run my Bitcoin core (I have 3 GB RAM) and see how things does .
I will post a screenshots on the sending/receiving Data tab once i DO THAT and you guys tell me if all is good .  thanks for ur help pretty useful

There was a dicussion about the dropping of the amount of nodes. If there are no nodes, there will be no blockchain and no mempool which is the backbone of Bitcoin.
Bitcoin will die, nodes form the backbone of Bitcoin, having a copy of the blockchain and relaying transaction. Without it, no one will be able to receive, send or mine coins. The probability of this happening is pretty low but running more nodes is better for decentralization.
Yes, you don't have to do anything other than opening ports. You should see more than 8 connections after sometime at the lower right.
No, you have to open ports and more specifically, run Bitcoin Core and download the full chain.

I have the blockchain downloaded already because I'am using Bitcoin Core since sometime . and I have 8 connections open or more does it mean that the ports are openeed by default or I still have to open them , each answer confuse me more to be honest

Click the help menu and the debug window. If there is at least one incoming connection, you are running a full node. If not, you have to open TCP 8333.

how increase the number of connections?

Max I get is 8, while some people get hundreads

Bitcoin-qt, download and run it, thats all. Open ports to get max connections, and have shit tons of RAM to not get a bloated computer.

Thanks, DannyHamilton and congrats for becoming Legendary. :)

   -MZ

I have 2 GB of RAM only and its impossible for me to run Bitcoin QT.

I have 2 GB RAM, Dual Core CPU and Nvidia GeForce 210(not costly). It's working fine for me. :)

   -MZ

Whoa, when did that happen? I remember running it on a 1GB RAM machine...
May be a false memory though?

EDIT: Ah, seems like I'm not the only one.

AFAIK a bitcoin node relays transactions across the bitcoin network.

A Bitcoin node is nothing more than a Bitcoin-QT client that has a whole copy of blockchain and is connected to the internet 24x7

So no, you don't need to go any extra mile to become a Bitcoin node.
Just make sure your wallet is fully synce and keep it open and online 24x7

A full node means allowing incoming connections to you to actually help to relay transaction and blocks. You have to portforward TCP 8333 to become a full node accepting incoming connections.

Hi,
thank you for all your answers , really appreciate them .
i was finally to make a full node :) really happy , ty again guys

Glad this thread helped to make a person run a node. Running a node = being a soldier in bitcoin army.