I have been taking in info and trying to understand (wrap my brain around it) lol.  However, I do not know a lot of the terminology, so it has been quite difficult at times.  I think I have a pretty good understanding now of the basics....concept/idea of bitcoin, purpose of private exchanges, securing a wallet, buy and sell process.

A TRULY secure wallet, is one I am trying to educate myself on.  I know about backing it up, changing it, and a few other obvious things.  However, my understanding is limited!

Newbie to bitcoin, and computers in general as well.  So please answer as basic as possible...if my question even makes sense!

Question.....
When I obtain a wallet through an exchange (MtGox, Localbitcoins, or even Blockchain.com, etc), and then use it for transactions, is it truly MY secure wallet??  OR is it my "internal" wallet, that has been assigned by that exchange/service?  Therefore, giving them some(or all, really) control and ACCESS to my wallet?  Perhaps I am thinking in traditional bank practices....when I deposit cash into my bank account, it doesn't actually/physically remain there at the branch.  It is used/transferred around etc.  With the hopes that when I walk in and want to withdraw the entire balance, it will be available immediately haha. 

Is there a way (easy to do/not super technical!!) to create a truly secure wallet that really does BELONG to me? It appears everyone is doing it, and this is the way it is done....through a service!  But I cant help feeling that I am giving my power/trust to another party.  Therefore, the potential to get screwed exists. Or once government steps in (and Im sure they will!!) the exchanges/services, will be regulated, and I will be forced to comply to whatever they require, whether I choose to or not (if I want access to my bitcoin).

I likely am not articulating properly, what it is I am trying to ask haha  But there is just "something" about this process that doesn't smell right to me lol.  Am I overthinking it, and just not fully understanding??

I realize I need to learn more about the process of purchasing bitcoin for the first time, obviously!  Hoping to get some straightforward advice on how to go about it....

I joined MtGox...went through long drawn out process of being verified.  Decided I didn't want to then do International Bank Transfer (ANOTHER 10 days til it is verified).  Noticed some negative feedback in regards to MtGox

Then thought I would just buy online...bit concerned about it, as I have read some scamming going on, or issues with coins being reversed etc.  My igonorance...not comfortable enough due to what I don't know(technical stuff)!

Thought I could then just create another wallet (localbitcoins), try and find someone locally (in Winnipeg), and do a cash sale face to face.  I contacted a local seller from the listing(early morning), sent a message/request asking if they were available later that evening (gave a 3 hr window).  Explained(put fourth an offer) I wanted to buy a bitcoin for 390, would meet him wherever he wanted, explained I had never done this before and he might have to help with the purchase process.  Almost 24 hrs later, no response. So I cancelled the request.

I emailed localbitcoins to see if I went about it incorrectly, and reason why I got no response from seller.  Never heard back from localbitcoin.

I posted a topic/question/advice needed, days back in this forum.  Also, messaged someone that I had hoped would sell to me or give some friendly advice.  No responses

What am I doing incorrect??  I simply want to buy a full bitcoin at a fair, agreed upon price, from someone that has been around for awhile and is trusted. 

Hoping someone from the Bitcoin community will take the time and explain where I am going wrong!  Is it REALLY this complicated, or am I just a moron?!!!! Omg maybe I am a moron lol

Can someone out there sell me a bitcoin...face to face for cash?  Or someone selling online that is active on the forum as a seller, and is trusted and wont take advantage of a noob?

HELP PLEASE!!!  Purchase price was under 200, when I started this process!  Would really appreciate feedback.
Thanks

Very very new to bitcoins!  I have a lot of self educating to still do. But meanwhile.....

I have read many different articles and sites, trying to grasp the concept.  I have the basic jist of it. Would be an amazing thing if we could all come together and actually make this work.  My concerns with anything new is being able to spot the scams.  Not knowing enough (techy) I am worried as a newbie it will happen to me!

I came to the conclusion that MtGox was the best route to go, for getting started, and purchasing some bitcoins. Had a few red flags go off when they needed scans of personal documents.  But I went ahead and did it!! I am at the point of now needing to do an International Bank Transfer.  Told it will take up to(or longer) than 10 days to actually reach my account.  When I started this process the bitcoin was valued at 195, it is now approx. 335!!  Not happy about that!!! If things keep progressing, I can only assume its value (cost for me to purchase) will be even higher in 10 days!

I JUST WANT TO BUY COINS NOW!!!!.....GRRRRRRR

Started reading some of the threads on here yesterday, and noticed some people are feeling like MtGox is a scam of sorts.  I am leaning towards the same conclusion.  WTF now?!!!  I am back at square one, if I decide not to do the bank transfer this afternoon as intended.

I have a wallet with MtGox...not clear to me if that is "MY" personal wallet, or just for use as long as I am dealing with MtGox?  Seems to me that I can just set up a wallet (new one if needed), meet someone in person locally (or online) and buy some coins.  The "Im still too ignorant" part is my issue though!!!  Personal key, where/who I obtained my wallet through, my bitcoin address, is the transaction legit, etc etc ?  So frustrated that I am unclear on this and require more time to sift through all the technical info, in order to purchase without being taken advantage of.  Meanwhile, the bitcoin keeps climbing in value.

So, all of that being said...should I just put faith in someone from the community and hope they are willing to assist me in setting up a new wallet(if needed), and buying coins from them?  How would I find someone locally(trustworthy) to do this?  Is anyone out there able to assist?  It would get you a free cup of coffee or bubbly beverage lol .  Oh ya, and the wonderful feeling of knowing you helped out your fellow man (woman actually) enter the exciting world of Bitcoins haha

I am from Winnipeg, and would like to do this in next day or two.  I have the cash now, to purchase.  Can you help me?