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Author Topic: Downsides of using web wallets?  (Read 475 times)
TheLordOfTime (OP)
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June 22, 2013, 09:16:07 PM
Last edit: June 23, 2013, 12:39:20 AM by TheLordOfTime
 #1

I am pretty sure I know the answer to this, but what are the specific downsides of using a web wallet over, say, an actual client like bitcoin-qt?  I'd rather not have to spin up a bitcoin-qt client on each system I want to use bitcoins with, but if there's any blatant security risks to using a web wallet, I'd like to know about those risks.
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There are several different types of Bitcoin clients. The most secure are full nodes like Bitcoin Core, but full nodes are more resource-heavy, and they must do a lengthy initial syncing process. As a result, lightweight clients with somewhat less security are commonly used.
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Birdy
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June 22, 2013, 09:17:48 PM
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Only the obvious risk of the website/your account being hacked or the owner being a scammer and running away with your coins.
For smaller sums a wallet on blockchain.info is fine, I just wouldn't use it to store all my coins.
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June 22, 2013, 09:21:23 PM
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As said, if the site goes down or gets hacked your coins are at risk. I would use blockchain.info for regular transactions but keep savings stored seperately in QT.

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TheLordOfTime (OP)
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June 22, 2013, 09:26:21 PM
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Okay, so i was writing, and getting a response while writing meant "Time to rewrite" xD

The main wallet I use is for OTC trades on the #bitcoin-otc IRC channel, and that never has lots of coin.  It has an extremely fluid balance because I never hold coin there for long.  If there's little risk because of the fluidity of the funds, then I'll probably use that on blockchain.info indefinitely.  (although since it's a vanity address, I can import the privkey to a bitcoin-qt client at my leisure).

But, I want to be able to receive donations on one of my sites, hence wanting access to the wallet from anywhere and not needing a bitcoin-qt or similar client.  If it were *your* choice between a web wallet or a bitcoin-qt client running 24/7 for the purposes of receiving bitcoin, which would you choose for the specific case here?

***EDIT: I missed BitcoinBoss's answer when I was writing this.  But the open question still remains Smiley ***
Birdy
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June 22, 2013, 09:35:05 PM
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If it were *your* choice between a web wallet or a bitcoin-qt client running 24/7 for the purposes of receiving bitcoin, which would you choose for the specific case here?
Ehm...you don't need to have it running to receive coins o,O
I would probably use the online-wallet for this.
TheLordOfTime (OP)
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June 22, 2013, 09:37:49 PM
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If it were *your* choice between a web wallet or a bitcoin-qt client running 24/7 for the purposes of receiving bitcoin, which would you choose for the specific case here?
Ehm...you don't need to have it running to receive coins o,O
I would probably use the online-wallet for this.

I'm tired, forgive my fail at typing.  running 24/7 so i can, say, VPN in and get an at-a-glance balance Wink

But so far, I'm inclined to agree that i can run thee web wallet for the donations, and then send them off to a qt client or something for safe keeping later.  Assuming I get any donations.  Tongue


Thanks!
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