A step-by-step illustration of how one deposits money into an exchange, converts currency to btc, moves btc from an exchange to your 'wallet', then how to liquidate the btc once it is in your wallet.

I think this process must become extremely simple and user friendly.  The fewer steps, the fewer intermediaries, the few options for confusion, the more likely btc becomes an accepted currency.

It went through just fine even with the wrong amount.  Thanks for the quick replies.

Until this is understood bitcoin will go nowhere.  Brilliant assessment MarketNeutral.  [applause][/b]
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Yeah, nobody will ever use cell phones or the internet or computers until they know how they work and are dumbed down for them.


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It's a techy thing. We're still in beta, for the REFERENCE client. Hell, if you want an easier to use client, write one! All you need is a GUI around bitcoind.
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We are not arguing that we need to understand the intricacies or the technical components of how bitcoin (or cellphones, computers, or anything else) works, we simply need to be able to understand it well enough to use it with confidence.  We need to have a laypersons understanding of how bitcoins are generated, traded, valued, and redeemed for fiat currency.  

I will never be able to explain how my computer or cellphone works, but I am confident that if I have a problem, I can drive five minutes down the road and either replace it or get someone to fix it.  If someone steals my credit card information, I'll never know how they did it, but I'm confident I can call American Express and get my money back.  I will never understand everything about bitcoin, I just want to be confident that I can use it efficiently and securely.

Over the past weeks I've spent quite a few hours reading blogs and articles concerning bitcoin, and I have even bought a few bought a few btc.  But the more I read, the more confused I become.

It seems the majority of users on this site are extremely technically inclined.  In order for btc to have staying power, it's essential for the general public (or atleast people who have moderate computer competence) to have a general understanding of how this technology works, how to buy/sell/trade bitcoins, and how to securely store them. 

I've searched for a "bitcoins for dummies" type introduction, yet everything seems far to technologically advanced.  Is anyone in the process of creating something like this, or is something already available? 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.  What if I accidentally sent the wrong amount of bitcoins to the specified address?  Are they gone?

I'm obviously new to Bitcoin (and no technical genius) and I have managed to transfer USD to mtgox.com. I then purchased btc with my USD and transferred my btc to my "bank".  At least I think that's what I've done.

Now I have no idea how to get the btc which is in my bank back to mtgox.com to sell it. 

Please help.