Recommended Client?

[chandler22]

Hey all -

Wondering if anyone could recommend an easy 'newbie proof' BT client for Windows?

Right now, I'm looking at Multi-Bit. This seems like a good one.

[flatfly]

Hey all -

Wondering if anyone could recommend an easy 'newbie proof' BT client for Windows?

Right now, I'm looking at Multi-Bit. This seems like a good one.

MultiBit is pretty good (and has a very dedicated author), and you could also look at Electrum, which has strong wallet encryption, instant start-up and doesn't require Java...

(Disclosure: I provide easy-to-use 1-click Electrum builds for Windows)

[BadBear]

I use blockchain.info for minor amounts. Not really a client, online wallet but good for newbies.

[chandler22]

Thanks for the input guys - I'm scared of keeping my wallet online because of what I've read.

I'm going to try out Electrum... I dislike Java.

[c4n10]

If you're looking for speed:
For cpu mining I recommend pooler's cpuminer (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=55038.0)
For gpu mining I recommend cgminer (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=28402.0)

If you're looking for ease of use:
I recommend GUIMiner

[keverw]

Bitcoin-Qt is a nice easy to use client, you can download it at http://bitcoin.org. I guess one of the cons is that you have to download the whole block chain but other than that I find the interface and program easy to use. I also try to open it at least once a day or week to make sure the block chain is up to date.

[paulkoan]

Those aren't clients. You've listed various examples of mining software.

So it is timely as mining will be his next question once bitcoin addiction sets in

[BadBear]

Thanks for the input guys - I'm scared of keeping my wallet online because of what I've read.

I'm going to try out Electrum... I dislike Java.

Can't blame you for that, I only use it for small amounts myself.

[c4n10]

If you're looking for speed:
For cpu mining I recommend pooler's cpuminer (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=55038.0)
For gpu mining I recommend cgminer (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=28402.0)

If you're looking for ease of use:
I recommend GUIMiner

Those aren't clients. You've listed various examples of mining software.

My mistake (I AM a newbie after all)... So then what is a BT client?

[Monkey1]

Armory is good.  Offers offline wallet functionality and paper back ups!

[Monkey1]

Agreed.  It takes a bit of getting used to.  I have closed QT and wondered why Armory stopped behaving properly!

Once you get the hang of it its great.  Have a selection of online and offline wallets.  Use offline verification of transactions etc!  Very useful.  Also paper back ups really put your mind at rest.

[c4n10]

If you're looking for speed:
For cpu mining I recommend pooler's cpuminer (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=55038.0)
For gpu mining I recommend cgminer (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=28402.0)

If you're looking for ease of use:
I recommend GUIMiner

Those aren't clients. You've listed various examples of mining software.

My mistake (I AM a newbie after all)... So then what is a BT client?

By BT client, I assume he means Bitcoin client, which is software that can send and receive bitcoins. I'm a big fan of Armory (for Linux or Windows, currently requires Bitcoin QT as well) and Spinner (for Android).

Ah, ok I understand now, lol... How noobish of me... So then is there a reason why the original Bitcoinqt client wouldn't be the preferred method to send and receive?

[c4n10]

Possibly because of the initial block chain download. Some clients (light clients) do not require the full blockchain to send and receive coins.

For me, personally, I use Armory because of the fantastic offline wallet feature. This is the epitome of security. I had been creating offline wallets for security reasons long before I learned of Armory, but Armory allows me to easily and securely spend bitcoins from those offline wallets.

Ah, I see... Thank you for the knowledge! I will have to give armory a look as well, that sounds perfect.

[MaxSan]

Multibit gets my vote. Brilliant client.

[minimalB]

MultiBit wallets are currently NOT encrypted, so be careful.

AFAIK, next release is going to have encrypted wallets available, though.

[Nyhm]

VanillaWallet may be what you seek. Full-fledged client wallet (not an e-wallet), minimalistic, and easy to use.

[Monkey1]

Does that have an encrypted wallet?  I cant seem to find out.

[Nyhm]

Does that have an encrypted wallet?  I cant seem to find out.

Encrypted Wallet
The VanillaWallet wallet file is not yet encrypted. This functionality is under development in the BitCoinJ software library used by VanillaWallet, and may be integrated into future versions of VanillaWallet.

Short answer is No. When BitCoinJ v0.6 comes out, I plan to upgrade and use its encrypted wallet support. If for some reason, encrypted wallet support is not included in BitCoinJ v0.6, I will stop waiting and implement my own.

I'm the developer of VanillaWallet, by the way. One reason I'm still in Alpha is that I'm awaiting BitCoinJ v0.6, for a few improvements, to move to Beta. Nonetheless, VanillaWallet has been very reliable for me under light use.

VanillaWallet discussion here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=99845.0

Thanks for your interest! I appreciate community feedback.

[Monkey1]

Thanks.  I do like the simplicity but I think I will wait for wallet encryption before using.

[Kazimir]

MultiBit +1

Especially if you store yourwallet in a truecrypt container.