Due to an ongoing discussion about the private use of bitcoin with HD wallets and the advantages that running your own node provides, I've decided to create a really simple guide to help those who are less experienced with Linux.  During the discussion some members expressed their desire to run their own node, but were intimidated by having to learn a new OS.  Well, rest assured, this guide takes the path of least resistance and is intended for you.

The node system I've chosen for this guide is Umbrel, largely because of how easy it is to install and operate, the options it provides, and because it can be installed on just about anything that can run on a Linux kernel.  

Disclosure: Keep in mind that Umbrel is not "Open Source" software.  It is transparent, available for peer review, can be forked, modified, and redistributed, but commercial use of Umbrel is limited.  It also offers applets that may not be open-source.  More information here: https://github.com/getumbrel/umbrel/blob/master/LICENSE.md

While writing this guide I have made some assumptions:

• You're a Windows user, with a PC or Laptop running Windows and connected to the local network.
• Your node will be running on separate hardware dedicated to the node, (we'll call this hardware the "node server").
• You will interact with the node server remotely.

One of the advantages of Umbrel is that it can be managed remotely by using your favorite web browser from any device that's connected to the same local network, even a phone.  This is what makes Umbrel so easy to use and such a practical solution for those who don't care to develop Linux system management skills, but still want to run a full node.

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Preparation

We'll get started with a list of what you'll need:

• A USB drive with 4GB capacity.
• A very basic computer with these minimum requirements
• • 2-core processor (CPU)
• • 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended)
• • 1TB of storage space (a SSD is recommended, a fast HDD will work fine)
• • Internet connection
• • A temporary terminal (a monitor and a keyboard)

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Step 1: Prepare the USB drive:

To keep this as simple as possible, I've chosen to use Ubuntu Server as my base OS.  Other Linux operating systems will work fine (in fact I prefer Debian,) but out-of-the-box Ubuntu comes configured with all settings which will make this super easy for a newbie.  Umbrel will provide the graphical interface, so to keep the install as light as possible all we need is the server package, which does not include a desktop environment.  A Linux distro with a desktop environment will also work, but I find this to be redundant and will tax our hardware unnecessarily.

• Download the latest stable (LTS) version of Ubuntu Server's ISO: https://ubuntu.com/download/server
• Use an imaging tool (balenaEtcher, for example) to write the ISO file onto the USB drive.

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Step 2: Install the base OS:

Next, we'll install a minimized Ubuntu Server as our base OS for the node server.

• Insert the USB drive into an open USB port on the node server.
• Boot the node server to the BIOS boot options page.
• • For most Intel mother boards press F8 while the bios is loading, F12 for most Dell machines.
• Once the boot option page loads select the USB drive which contains Ubuntu Server.
• Select "Try or Install Ubuntu Server".
• Follow the guided install to choose your language and region preferences.
• Select "Ubuntu Server (minimized)".
  

• Enter your profile information.
  

• [Optional, recommended] Install SSH Server if you want to be able to manage the base OS remotely.
  

• Do not install any of the "Featured Server Snaps," Umbrel will install the required versions of it's dependencies, including Docker.
• Wait for the base OS to finish installing, then reboot the node server.
• Login with the profile credentials you created.
• Update and upgrade the server's new install with the following command:

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Step 3: Install and launch Umbrel:

If you've gotten this far, you have concluded the most difficult part of our adventure.  The rest is smooth sailing.
Umbrel provides a script that will perform the install automatically, start Umbrel, and create a service process that will start Umbrel automatically whenever the node server reboots.

Before we install Umbrel, we'll need to note the IP address of the node server.  There are plenty of ways to obtain the IP address, here's one way:  Once logged into the server type the following command and note the IP address of the machine:

The response should look something like this:


My example above looks a bit funny because I'm using a virtual machine for demonstration purposes.  Typically the hardware issuing your local IP address will be entry number 2 and labeled eno1, and typical local IPs will be 192.168.x.x or 172.16.x.x, not 10.0.2.15 as in my example.

Now that we have all the information we need, we can install Umbrel.  To do so simply type the following command into your command line, and hit enter (Installing Umbrel requires admin privileges, you will be asked for your password):

The install will take a few minutes.  Once Umbrel is finished installing give it a couple of more minutes for the docker containers to get up and running.  After a few minutes it should be ready to use.  From another device connected to the same network, open a browser window and type in the IP address or the name we assigned to the node server.  In my example above I named my node server "umbrel-node" so I would set this as my URL:

Or you can use the IP address you obtained by running ip add, for example:

That's it!  Now with a single click you can install applications such as Bitcoin Core, Electrs SPV server, Mempool, and much more using Umbrel's graphical interface.

Happy (private) Bitcoining!

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Why this is a self-moderated thread:
Please keep the discussion on the topic of Full Node Operating Systems, including Umbrel, MyNode, RoninDojo, and other full node systems I have not mentioned, and how to run them on a machine with a Linux base OS (including Raspberry Pi.)  Any posts deriding Windows users, shaming people for using Windows, or shaming people for not knowing more about Linux will be deleted without warning.

That's exactly what an AI would say if he was trying to prove he's human.


What tool are you using to track your "investment?"

We know.  And it looks like you might lose the FF championship.



WTF is the point of that?  Is he injured?  The tweet made it sound like they just picked a body part as an excuse; "<word>shoulder<salad>"

As it is the Eagles are at risk of falling to the 5th seed.  If they lose next weekend the 9ers or the Cowboys can take top seed from them if either of them win their games.  It seems like they squandered their best chance to clinch the top seed today, I don't imagine the Giants are going to gift it to them next weekend.

We can ask everyone who left a prediction to update their posts with the 01-JAN-2023 USD value of the coins they've chosen.  That way each of us has a little bit of work to do, not expecting one of us to do all the work.



Happy New Year to all!  Wishing everyone the best 2023 possible.

I had a horrible start to the season, there was one week when I was in second to last place IIRC.  I've had some decent luck in the most recent few rounds, and I've been slowly climbing the table.  I would be happy to get into the top 20, let alone the top 10 when it's all done.  Not holding my breath, though as it seems like it would take a miracle at this point.

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At least he started Grealish against Leeds, lol.  I still find it odd that City would keep him with his lack of productivity.  I don't remember if it was against Iran or Senegal, but he came in as a sub and proceeded to take 5 or 6 shots at goal, but launched every one over the crossbar.  The worst was the look of astonishment on his face every time he did it, but he did it every time.  He did the same thing at least once during the Leeds match.  According to Wikipedia he had 11 appearances during the World Cup, but only scored one goal.  All while wearing the number 7.  

I installed LND, boltz-lnd, and loopd on my secondary server, with RTL as the frontend.  So it's not that I don't have the ability or tools, but given Lightning's "experimental" nature, I don't like opening channels with more than about $50 worth of bitcoin at a time.  Maybe I'm just being paranoid.  


That is definitely one of the drawbacks of Sparrow Wallet.  I'm not sure why the developers don't incorporate the ability to import single private keys.  The dialogue page for creating or importing a new "software" wallet only provides the ability to import a Bip39 mnemonic phrase, a master private key for an HD wallet, or a wallet created with an Electrum seed phrase.  A note about the Electrum wallets:  You can't import an Electrum seed directly, you have to create a wallet file in Electrum and import the file.  Yet another drawback, is that you can't export single private keys.

Sparrow is a decent wallet for beginners; it has a great UI, has a simple blockchain explorer built in, and for those who use coinjoin, it does have Samourai incorporated.  But, for those of us who want advanced controls it does lack quite few features.

That's a pretty good idea for small amounts of change, but I don't like sending large amounts through lightning.


That's one of the things I like most about Sparrow.  If you have an unpruned core running, you don't need an SPV server at all.   Sparrow can connect it directly to core, no need to set up additional software or jeopardize your privacy.

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Given how simple it is to set some of the "one-click" node operating systems out there, everyone who care's about his privacy should be doing it.  I played with Umbrel over Debian for a while, and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use and by the number of available options.

I did get a bit disillusioned with Umbrel while I was traveling not long ago, but that's more an issue of me (and my servers) living behind CGNAT.  I normally don't need to SSH into my servers from outside my house, but I figured it'd be better to have the ability just in case.  Rather than teach myself to set up a personal VPN on a private cloud server, I chose to use Tailscale and since it was so easy to set it up through Umbrel, that's what I did.  Normally I would shy away from a centralized service like Tailscale, but I was short on time preparing for my trip.  While I was away Docker and Umbrel released updates which broke my server, and since tailscale was running in a docker container I couldn't SSH into the confounded thing.  Had I installed Tailscale through the Debian package manager I wouldn't have had that issue...  Live and learn.  Luckily it wasn't enough to ruin the trip, I do have a backup server because that's how I roll.

Haha!  How about them apples?

I love last minute changes that turn into 3 points!  Of course I cost myself a point yesterday when I decided to give Nottingham the benefit of the doubt and risk predicting a tie.  Originally I had ManU 1-0, and should have stuck with that.

I guess I put too much stock in what Tim Howard said (on the pre-match show this side of the pond) about starting De Gea since he hadn't played since November.  He seemed surprised that Ten Hag wasn't starting Heaton due to having played so well for England.  So much for listening to Tim Howard.

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Yep, that's why you'll frequently find me writing stupid shit like "that was a great match this morning," lol.

Leeds has been my go-to club when I feel like taking a risk on an underdog, but yeah, they've let me down a few time this season.

I'm up in the air about today's match also.  Not only can Leeds be full of surprises but so can City in the opposite direction.  The safe bet is to pick City obviously, but I usually like Leeds for a goal.  I also find myself rooting for Leeds whenever they're aren't playing Arsenal.  I like rooting for my countrymen; Jesse Marsch, Brenden Aaronson, and Tyler Shaan.  It's the closest thing to having a "home team" in the Premier League, lol.

I've been enjoying the ColdCard, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one.  The price being roughly twice that of a Trezor One requires an assessment of the ColdCards additional features, and determining if they're worth the value.  That's really a personal decision.  As for an air-gapped hardware wallet, it's been working great for me and I've gotten some use out of the additional seed and private key features.  It's really quite a sophisticated device, despite having some real world flaws.

And you should take the debate about the licensing with a grain of salt as well.  The source code is transparent and available for review, but the licensing prohibits others from profiting from it or using it in a competing device, hence "not open-source."

I've used a few brands of hardware wallets, including both models offered by Trezor, and so far I have to say the ColdCard is my favorite.  I did receive a Foundation Passport a few days ago, but I haven't fired it up yet.  I wouldn't be surprised if the Passport becomes my new favorite, but again one needs to evaluate the value of any wallet he chooses.  My problem is that I have the "collecting" bug, so the more the merrier. 

I'm pretty sure that the NFL won't allow any contracted player to participate in the XFL, so yeah, kind of, in a way.  I'm not sure if that extends to the practice squad, but I don't blame the NFL for being selfish in this case.  They're player contracts specifically prohibit any off-season activity that could result in injures.  They don't even like their players riding real bicycles, only stationary ones.  So it's more than just the fact that it's a competing league, it's protecting their investments.

As for blacklisting of TV ads or anything like that, I haven't noticed.


It would be difficult for me to play a XFL fantasy team mainly because I would be unfamiliar with many of the players.

As for the quality of the league, it will come down to the individual athlete's abilities and in the past I haven't seen the same level of athleticism in the sub-leagues.  The hunger is there, and that does go a long way.  If the USFL or the XFL can speed up the pace of the game, and have fewer commercials I'm sure they could be successful. 

I made my picks a month and a half ago, and it's been so long since the clubs have played that I'm glad I did.  I would feel lost trying to figure out how these matches would go today, but the changes in lineup were inevitable with the recent conclusion of the world cup.  Regardless, it's nice to have the PL back in action, I missed all the Saturday morning action.  

This is a list of lending services, I don't think your PR service fits in.

Not to mention, your account is ranked too low for me to consider adding you in any event.

How in the wide world of sports is this not the most popular spectator sport on the planet?



Do the players earn fantasy points for a wardrobe malfunction?  

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Well, the fat lady hasn't sang yet, but it looks like she's practicing Hueristic's and South Park's tune.  Good job to the underdogs so far this weekend, even if you lose by some miracle you put up great fight.  

It can be unfortunate when the "truth bomb" is actually full of hyperbole and little truth.  Look at the two red-tags on topman21's trust wall; both accusing the account of being "hacked" or sold.  True, there seems to be significant circumstantial evidence suggesting the account changed hands, and certainly there's evidence of operating multiple accounts, but neither of those things are banned activities by the forum rules.  If there was legitimate evidence the accounts were "hacked" the mods would lock the accounts, and the other "offenses" may warrant neutral tag at the most.  The referenced post for those red tags even suggests the account may have had three different owners.  Was it "hacked" twice?  Lol, come on man.  Unless the accounts have been used to cheat or scam, I don't see what the big fuss is about.

So actually, this sock puppet isn't meant to avoid drama, but rather it seems he's attempting stir it up. 

Merry Christmas all, carry on.

I store my seeds locally in fire resistant safes, and tucked into fire resistant document bags.  I have three safes on the property with redundant backups.  The odds of all three burning up to the point of all backups being unrecoverable is pretty slim.  My brother and I have talked about each buying a small document safe to hide in the other's house for redundant off-site backups, but neither of us gone to such lengths as of yet.

I've never looked into a safe deposit boxes, so I don't know what they go for in my area but I can't imagine they're cheap.  A small document safe built to be fire and water resistant can be found for under $175.  Even if you had to buy two to have redundant backups in different parts of the house, that's still pretty affordable.  Again, not knowing the cost of a safe deposit box, I don't know how that compares.

Some interesting rates for this afternoon's underdogs.  The Eagles +4.5 @ 1.83 sounds like a bargain.  A bit surprised to see the Cowboys favored by such a margin, but at the same time, I still don't trust the Eagles.

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In other news, the FF playoffs seem to be going as expected.  Good luck to those of you in the hunt, and happy holidays to all.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

I know that most of us are anxious for 2022 to be over, the year of "Crypto Winter" and all.  In fact it's been bad for most of my investments, not only bitcoin, and yes, it's time to move on.  

However, on a personal level 2022 has been a good year in many ways.  It's seen the decline of severe Covid infections.  My workload is getting back to normal, and we've finally reached the point of year where days are starting to get longer.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2023!

If you have concerns that your computer is infected, you should back up your critical data and wipe your machine with a newly installed OS.  But, I agree that you shouldn't install and use a desktop wallet on a machine you don't trust, even if it is a low-value hot wallet.

If you're in the habit of downloading cracked software, especially games, or browsing websites of questionable morality, then you're likely to encounter malware at some point.  You can always isolate those types of activities by using a different machine or an isolated VM.  


Many malware are designed to hide from virus scanners and other other anti-malware measures.  The best thing you can do is be diligent and avoid any unsafe behavior on a machine which is used for bitcoin.


Electrum can be used many different ways, the software itself is safe.  The security of your coins is largely dependent on how you use the software.  As others have mentioned you should only use it for small amounts, as a hot wallet when installed on an internet-connected device.  If you have a hardware wallet, you can use Electrum to manage those wallets by creating a wallet that requires the hardware wallet to sign transactions.  If you install Electrum on an air-gapped machine, it's great for creating cold-storage seeds, that are about as safe as you can get.