Newbie BTC Convert questions

[Tomdraug]

Hi!!

I just got 2 BTC from coinmama.com

Maybe a bit more expensive due to WesternUnion monster commision, but who cares and I got them quickly in couple hours

I am in love with BTC

I have one question:

I run bitcoin-qt on my Ubuntu box
When it runs, does it validate other ppl transactions?
Or, what does it do except displaying my new shiny 2 BTCs? 

Good luck guys and let the Bitcoin spreads
Tom

[Chrithu]

While it is running and online it mainly keeps your local copy of the blockchain in sync.

So basically other than shortening the startup time there is no reason to have it running 24/7.

This changes only if you are solo mining or hosting a mining pool through that client. That is when your client actually takes unconfirmed transactions and confirms them.

[Tomdraug]

Thanks for the answer!!
All clear
Tom