noob need guidance

[dilesmavis]

 
i am new to bitcoin.
I set up on old hp.I downloaded bitcoin core,it runs my wallet but says its out of sync on balances/transactions.
What to do?

[shorena]

i am new to bitcoin.
I set up on old hp.I downloaded bitcoin core,it runs my wallet but says its out of sync on balances/transactions.
What to do?

I assume you got 0.10.0 here -> https://bitcoin.org/bin/bitcoin-core-0.10.0/

It will take some time to sync the client. It needs to download and verify ~35 GByte of data.

[pedrog]

Depending how old that computer is, it may take up to a week to get the blockchain up to date.

Latest release (v0.10.0) makes it sync way faster, but if the computer is modest it may take awhile, just leave it on, eventually it will be up to date.

[ChuckBuck]

I'd highly recommend to cancel or exit out of Bitcoin Core and download a more lighter weight wallet like Electrum instead.

With Electrum, you don't have to download the entire Blockchain for hours(days), but it functions pretty much the same.

[icanscript]

From personal experience, I would just wait for the blockchain to sync, I am a huge fan of Bitcoin Core and find it the most reliable client.

[Cult]

I'd highly recommend to cancel or exit out of Bitcoin Core and download a more lighter weight wallet like Electrum instead.

With Electrum, you don't have to download the entire Blockchain for hours(days), but it functions pretty much the same.

Does Electrum already have full Coin Control functionality?

[notlist3d]

If you do a full not lite wallet expect a LONG time to download the blockchain.  It is just a very long download at this point.

[megamore]

Maybe your internet network is not stable
I usually just wait and may take several hours

suggest : Try to create an online wallet

[ObscureBean]

Nothing unusual there, the 'out of sync' alert will remain until you've downloaded the full blockchain and are in sync with the network. The blockchain size is now a little over 30gb and takes me about 2.5 - 3 hrs to download with my 30MB/s connection. If your connection is very slow, you'd be better off using a lightweight client like Multibit or an online wallet service like Coinbase. I myself use Coinbase most of the time.

[anshar]

Use Blockchain. Stay away from offline wallets for now until you learn more

[notlist3d]

Use Blockchain. Stay away from offline wallets for now until you learn more

Even with online wallets you need to be safe.   But yes blockchain is a popular online one.

If you look into lightweight wallets it will be a much easier solution on your wallet then the core one.   Just make sure to backup wallet.dat on a thumbdrive stored safely away, and maybe a paper wallet made also kept in a safe spot.

[dilesmavis]

thanks guys/gals
Ill look into the litewallet.
I'm also looking at a couple raspberry pi's powered usb hub some block erupters to get off the ground.
Would I have to change wallets?

[notlist3d]

thanks guys/gals
Ill look into the litewallet.
I'm also looking at a couple raspberry pi's powered usb hub some block erupters to get off the ground.
Would I have to change wallets?

Make sure you make a backup of wallet.dat.

But yes you can import key on a new wallet on your raspberry pi.  This essentially allows you to use that bitcoin address.

[pooya87]

in my opinion the wallet you choose only depends on you and your usage.
for small amounts and for spending BTC i think online wallets are most suitable
for larger amounts and holding it is best to keep it on offline wallets, either paper wallet or any other wallet on a computer that is not connected to internet.

[notlist3d]

in my opinion the wallet you choose only depends on you and your usage.
for small amounts and for spending BTC i think online wallets are most suitable
for larger amounts and holding it is best to keep it on offline wallets, either paper wallet or any other wallet on a computer that is not connected to internet.

Also using multiple wallets is a good thing aswell.   Have hot/cold wallets depending on how much you have in the address.   

[BitBOOM]

I'd highly recommend to cancel or exit out of Bitcoin Core and download a more lighter weight wallet like Electrum instead.

With Electrum, you don't have to download the entire Blockchain for hours(days), but it functions pretty much the same.

+1

Get electrum or multibit for your pc. Blockchain.info is also a decent online wallet.

[pooya87]

in my opinion the wallet you choose only depends on you and your usage.
for small amounts and for spending BTC i think online wallets are most suitable
for larger amounts and holding it is best to keep it on offline wallets, either paper wallet or any other wallet on a computer that is not connected to internet.

Also using multiple wallets is a good thing aswell.   Have hot/cold wallets depending on how much you have in the address.   

yes, that was my point. i personally have 1 blockchain.info wallet for my day to day uses and i keep small amounts of bitcoin there and the rest of my bitcoins which i buy or trade and want to keep for long term are in my offline electrum wallet.

[LuckyBtc]

I'd highly recommend to cancel or exit out of Bitcoin Core and download a more lighter weight wallet like Electrum instead.

With Electrum, you don't have to download the entire Blockchain for hours(days), but it functions pretty much the same.

Does Electrum already have full Coin Control functionality?

Electrum does have coin control functionality, But It's very limited. Electrum is the best wallet for newbies.

[Muhammed Zakir]

Electrum does have coin control functionality, But It's very limited. Electrum is the best wallet for newbies.

I disagree. SPV and/or HD clients are best for people with low storage or low internet speed and/or data. Newbies can also use other wallets like Bitcoin core and Armory.

[Amph]

I'd highly recommend to cancel or exit out of Bitcoin Core and download a more lighter weight wallet like Electrum instead.

With Electrum, you don't have to download the entire Blockchain for hours(days), but it functions pretty much the same.

i don't agree, core is more simple and intuitive for beginners, while remaining secure

you just need a ssd to download the blockchain faster(a 850 pro can dl the whole blockchain in 45 min or less than an hour)