Bitcoin node options

[apogio]

Hello, I want to run my own node and contribute to the network. I have found online tutorials on how to build it and I decided to download bitcoin core and run it on an old laptop, after upgrading its disc to 1TB (preferably SSD).

I know I can build a fully custom node using a raspberry pi etc, but I decided to go with my old laptop.

However, there is something I haven't understood and it has to do with the software that is needed. My question may be silly but... here it is:

I came across many people online who say they run nodes, but they use MyNode https://mynodebtc.com/ or Umbrel etc.

What is the difference? I really don't understand it. If I want to validate transactions, isn't Bitcoin Core enough?

[DaveF]

Core is enough to do what you want to do which is validate transactions.

Umbrel / Rapbiblitz / etc. Add a lot of stuff that you may or may not want to do but they give you the option.
Electrum server, Lightning node, pretty GUI for some things, block explorers, and so on.

Those are a bit more difficult to setup & configure so the nodes in a box take care of that for you.

-Dave

[apogio]

Core is enough to do what you want to do which is validate transactions.

Umbrel / Rapbiblitz / etc. Add a lot of stuff that you may or may not want to do but they give you the option.
Electrum server, Lightning node, pretty GUI for some things, block explorers, and so on.

Those are a bit more difficult to setup & configure so the nodes in a box take care of that for you.

-Dave

Thanks Dave. Would I be able to run those programs on a simple computer? I guess yes..

Also, all those programs don't require Bitcoin Core ?? I thought bitcoin core is a must

[DaveF]

Yes they all need core. The 'nodes in a box' install core and then everything else.
They do run on a RPi4, well perhaps not run but walk really fast :-)
I have a few of them running on Rpi and they are fine, but a 4th gen i5 with 8gb RAM and a 1tb SSD blows it out of the water in terms of performance.

Once again, US pricing but the used PC the extra stick of RAM and a new 1tb SSD were under $150 all in.

-Dave

[apogio]

Yes they all need core. The 'nodes in a box' install core and then everything else.
They do run on a RPi4, well perhaps not run but walk really fast :-)
I have a few of them running on Rpi and they are fine, but a 4th gen i5 with 8gb RAM and a 1tb SSD blows it out of the water in terms of performance.

Once again, US pricing but the used PC the extra stick of RAM and a new 1tb SSD were under $150 all in.

-Dave

So, for example, Umbrel installs Bitcoin Core and then everything else. And, as I understand, it provides you with a local server that you can access (perhaps on localhost via browser) and have multiple applications oriented towards bitcoin, such as block explorers, wallets etc.

But, Bitcoin Core is "hidden" behind all the other applications, in order to maintain a full copy of the blockchain.

Correct ?

[DaveF]

Sort of, you have control of the full bitcoin node using the web front end that they give you or by SSH into the box and running things at the command line.
You don't get the front end that you see when running the GUI like you would in Windows.

Personally, I use the desktop version when I just need a BTC node.

And the bundled / nodes in a box stuff when I need a LN node, or want to demo things to people who don't want to know how it works, just that it does work.

-Dave

[apogio]

Sort of, you have control of the full bitcoin node using the web front end that they give you or by SSH into the box and running things at the command line.
You don't get the front end that you see when running the GUI like you would in Windows.

Personally, I use the desktop version when I just need a BTC node.

And the bundled / nodes in a box stuff when I need a LN node, or want to demo things to people who don't want to know how it works, just that it does work.

-Dave

I guess I am gonna go with my initial option then. Simple bitcoin core on an old laptop.

Thanks

[mendace]

So, for example, Umbrel installs Bitcoin Core and then everything else. And, as I understand, it provides you with a local server that you can access (perhaps on localhost via browser) and have multiple applications oriented towards bitcoin, such as block explorers, wallets etc.

But, Bitcoin Core is "hidden" behind all the other applications, in order to maintain a full copy of the blockchain.

Correct ?

Exact provides you with a local server or reachable through an onion link.  Inside you can install many bitcoin oriented applications but not only that but in all honesty I don't recommend these plug and play also the embassy that I just installed became unusable after the first update.