Should I use BIP38 wallet encryption? How do I spend a paper wallet?

[canton]

Hi,

I'm requesting feedback on a F.A.Q. I'm writing up at bitcoinpaperwallet.com for these questions and more. Any criticism / additions / improvements are welcome.

How do I add bitcoins to a paper wallet? How do I withdraw/spend them?
See: https://bitcoinpaperwallet.com/wallet-tutorial-add-withdraw-funds/

How does BIP38 wallet encryption work, and should I use it?
See: https://bitcoinpaperwallet.com/bip38-password-encrypted-wallets/

What is an Ubuntu LiveCD for? How does it work?
See: https://bitcoinpaperwallet.com/ubuntu-linux-live-bootable-cd/

How do I scan QR codes with my camera?
See: https://bitcoinpaperwallet.com/how-to-scan-qr-codes-with-camera/

[Abdussamad]

Why should I use a primitive paper wallet when I can install a full fledged software wallet on an offline computer and get unlimited addresses and a whole lot more?

[runam0k]

Why should I use a primitive paper wallet when I can install a full fledged software wallet on an offline computer and get unlimited addresses and a whole lot more?

Because sometimes it's just quicker and easier to use a piece of paper.

Just curious, do you back-up your offline wallet? Or do you rely on your offline computer always staying healthy, not being taken, etc?

[DieJohnny]

Hi,

I'm requesting feedback on a F.A.Q. I'm writing up at bitcoinpaperwallet.com for these questions and more. Any criticism / additions / improvements are welcome.

How do I add bitcoins to a paper wallet? How do I withdraw/spend them?
See: https://bitcoinpaperwallet.com/wallet-tutorial-add-withdraw-funds/

How does BIP38 wallet encryption work, and should I use it?
See: https://bitcoinpaperwallet.com/bip38-password-encrypted-wallets/

What is an Ubuntu LiveCD for? How does it work?
See: https://bitcoinpaperwallet.com/ubuntu-linux-live-bootable-cd/

How do I scan QR codes with my camera?
See: https://bitcoinpaperwallet.com/how-to-scan-qr-codes-with-camera/

Fantastic stuff, good luck with your site.

My comments:

You mention me trusting bitaddress.org, I can understand your spin, but trusting anyone is what I don't want to do. It would be better to explain how your system lets you print wallets and not have to trust anybody IMHO. Also, how do i know that what i am running on Ubuntu is what you say anyway....  i guess then it becomes more about trusting you unfortunately.

Also, I would pay for a USB key with Ubuntu over a CD, CDs just are a pain in my ass. But don't sell a cheap USB, Lacie and Verabatim make really cool waterproof USB drives that have a keychain hole, sell me one of those with some kick ass logo printed on it. Show me how to keep my wallet encrypted on my key if I want and demo how i can use ubuntu to plug in and make a payment to anyone from any PC.

Great job!

[DieJohnny]

One other suggestion, one reason i hate printed wallets is I had one go through the laundry once and it was destroyed obviously.

You should sell waterproof printer paper. Not sure how it would hold up in a washer with regular ink jet or laser jet ink, but maybe you could try it and if it survivable you could show a pic so people would feel better about it.

If you figure out how to make great looking printed, waterproof wallets, offer a service to have me send you my public and passkey-protected private key to you and you will print me an awesome wallet, which I would buy 20 of and gift to people for Christmas.

[canton]

Also, I would pay for a USB key with Ubuntu over a CD, CDs just are a pain in my ass.

I thought about this, and did some experiments, but:

1) There's the risk of the contents of the USB key being modified in transit (sneaky postman, roommate, etc.)

2) Limited support, for example, as far as I know you can't boot to linux USB using a macintosh unless you do some serious screwing around.

3) Not so much of a time-saver for end user. I'm curious: have you tried to make your own liveboot USB key? It's not bad. Much *much* easier than trying to customize a CD.

[Abdussamad]

Why should I use a primitive paper wallet when I can install a full fledged software wallet on an offline computer and get unlimited addresses and a whole lot more?

Because sometimes it's just quicker and easier to use a piece of paper.

Just curious, do you back-up your offline wallet? Or do you rely on your offline computer always staying healthy, not being taken, etc?

I use electrum. One backup is all I need.