What is being mined?

[StGermain1977]

Hello all!

I've tried and tried to search for an answer for this question...problem is, I think I'm asking the wrong question lol.  But here goes:

***What is being "mined" when you mine?***

I know there are algorithms involved, but are generic/fabricated algorithms created specifically for the mining of BitCoins? ...if so, who creates these algorithms? Is "BitCoin" mining the equivalent of busy-work that fundamentally does nothing except generate an online currency?

And these algorithm aren't created specifically for Bitcoin...where do they come from?  This may sound silly here, but are we using our combined processing powers to unknowingly help decrypt a code somewhere lol?

Thank you for your patience and tolerance for what must appear to a non-newbie as rather silly questions :-)

[pedrog]

Here you go:

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Mining

[b!z]

Hello all!

I've tried and tried to search for an answer for this question...problem is, I think I'm asking the wrong question lol.  But here goes:

***What is being "mined" when you mine?***

I know there are algorithms involved, but are generic/fabricated algorithms created specifically for the mining of BitCoins? ...if so, who creates these algorithms? Is "BitCoin" mining the equivalent of busy-work that fundamentally does nothing except generate an online currency?

And these algorithm aren't created specifically for Bitcoin...where do they come from?  This may sound silly here, but are we using our combined processing powers to unknowingly help decrypt a code somewhere lol?

Thank you for your patience and tolerance for what must appear to a non-newbie as rather silly questions :-)

mining is only solving blocks, it is not helping to crack codes or benefiting science etc
there are some coins like primecoin that help to solve prime numbers through mining

[ReBoRn]

thanks I was also very upset about this but now some coming in my mind what is mining 

[StGermain1977]

Thanks b!z :-)

...another question.  Will the act of mining chew up my Internet Data Plan?  I suppose the question is: how many MB/GB are downloaded/uploaded in the act of mining?

[Galahad]

Thanks b!z :-)

...another question.  Will the act of mining chew up my Internet Data Plan?  I suppose the question is: how many MB/GB are downloaded/uploaded in the act of mining?

I don't think it's a question of uploading / downloading lots of bytes. Mining involves processing a mathematical puzzle and then uploading proof of work as I understand it. This proves that you have solved the equation first and are entitled to the reward.

[greyhawk]

I don't think it's a question of uploading / downloading lots of bytes.

Yeah, well actually if he's going to mine he's gonna have to download the blockchain and we're at 9,6 GB for that and it's growing at about 0,5 to 0,7 GB a month.