local help to learn about running my own node?

[netfixer]

Not sure if this qualifies as an intro or not, but here's a start:

I've downloaded and been running a full node for a couple months.  Since this involved just downloading and running an exe I'm not quite sure where to go from here.  Some questions I have:

1 - Since I had a windows 10 machine, I just downloaded that exe and ran it.  Is there a compelling reason to wipe the machine, install linux and run that instead?  Note: this machine is dedicated to just being a node, so I don't do much else with it other than browse bitcoin topics. (pc is an older core I7 w/12gb ram and 1.8tb ssd for the bitcoin data

2 - Is there a place where I might find an experienced person to provide some guidance and education regarding running a node?

3 - I've read there are benfits to using my own node with my wallet.  I'm not sure how to set that up, or which wallet I should use.  I currently use wasabi, but all sats are on a coldcard.  I'll read the wallet thread here soon and see if that sheds light.  But sometimes the back and forth with a guru really speeds up the learning process.

4 - Is there a consensus here are the best way to setup and maintain multisig?

Thanks.

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[joker_josue]

1 - Since I had a windows 10 machine, I just downloaded that exe and ran it.  Is there a compelling reason to wipe the machine, install linux and run that instead?  Note: this machine is dedicated to just being a node, so I don't do much else with it other than browse bitcoin topics. (pc is an older core I7 w/12gb ram and 1.8tb ssd for the bitcoin data

Node works fine on Windows or Linux. Most prefer to use Linux, as it is cheaper, tends to be safer and more private, and has more configuration freedom. So it all depends on your taste.


You can review some of these topics on the subject to learn more:

NODES

• Are you running a Bitcoin node? You SHOULD be (by AverageGlabella)
• Definition of full node (by BlackHatCoiner)
• [GUIDE] How run more than 1 masternodes at your home pc without any vps provider (by cygan)
• explained running bitcoin full node (by elsons)
• Bitcoin node distribution globally (by hd49728)
• Cryptocurrency Client Categorization (Full node, Pruned node, SPV node,...) (by pooya87)
• Number of full nodes since 2015 (by RapTarX)
• Full Node Client vs Light Node Client (by RapTarX)
• Help+guides for those interested in Full Node builds | BTC,LTC,XMR,DOGE +more (by Shermand100)
• SEND NODES!! - Full Node and Light Node (by Utoy101)

[Husires]

1 - Since I had a windows 10 machine, I just downloaded that exe and ran it.  Is there a compelling reason to wipe the machine, install linux and run that instead?  Note: this machine is dedicated to just being a node, so I don't do much else with it other than browse bitcoin topics. (pc is an older core I7 w/12gb ram and 1.8tb ssd for the bitcoin data

Linux is the best because it allows you to enhance your privacy while taking advantage of the resources of your device, but if you are not familiar with Linux, then Windows is the best.

3 - I've read there are benfits to using my own node with my wallet.  I'm not sure how to set that up, or which wallet I should use.  I currently use wasabi, but all sats are on a coldcard.  I'll read the wallet thread here soon and see if that sheds light.  But sometimes the back and forth with a guru really speeds up the learning process.

Full node management means that you want to enhance your privacy and since you do not know what to do, it is better to avoid that, learn first and then you can start.
Start with  https://bitcoinist.com/6-reasons-run-bitcoin-full-node/

[SFR10]

I've downloaded and been running a full node for a couple months.  Since this involved just downloading and running an exe I'm not quite sure where to go from here.
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2 - Is there a place where I might find an experienced person to provide some guidance and education regarding running a node?

"Bitcoin Technical Support" board is probably the best place, but since you've been running your node for the past couple of months, then it's worth noting that if you're using it to improve your privacy ^{[as opposed to supporting the network]}, you don't need to run it 24/7.

Note: this machine is dedicated to just being a node, so I don't do much else with it other than browse bitcoin topics.
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3 - I've read there are benfits to using my own node with my wallet.  I'm not sure how to set that up, or which wallet I should use.  I currently use wasabi, but all sats are on a coldcard.

You didn't mention which node implementation is being used, but since it appears that you're using Wasabi on a different machine, then you should know that they've "integrated Bitcoin Knots" into their software ^{[you still have to enable it from the settings (since version 1.1.11)]}.
^{- If you're running both of them on the same machine, it'll automatically be detected.}

[dkbit98]

1- Since I had a windows 10 machine, I just downloaded that exe and ran it.  Is there a compelling reason to wipe the machine, install linux and run that instead?  Note: this machine is dedicated to just being a node, so I don't do much else with it other than browse bitcoin topics. (pc is an older core I7 w/12gb ram and 1.8tb ssd for the bitcoin data

Yes there are many reasons why Linux is better in everything compared to wInD0ws OS.
Linux is open source, nobody is going to spy on everything you do, you don't have to pay anything and you don't have to use pirated software because Linux is free, it's easy to install and usually there are no separate drivers to install.
For older computers Linux running Bitcoin node Linux is much better because it can use less resources if you choose lighter distribution and desktop environment.

2 - Is there a place where I might find an experienced person to provide some guidance and education regarding running a node?

You are allegedly running Bitcoin noe for months and you are now asking for guidance and education...
There is no nothing complicated about that, and g00gle AI can answer most of your questions already.

4 - Is there a consensus here are the best way to setup and maintain multisig?

Oh it's multisig guy again
No there is no concensus about that and your writing style and questions looks very familiar... I don't think using alt accounts in this way is going to be beneficial to you in any way
How many forum accounts you made so far?

[witcher_sense]

1 - Since I had a windows 10 machine, I just downloaded that exe and ran it.  Is there a compelling reason to wipe the machine, install linux and run that instead?  Note: this machine is dedicated to just being a node, so I don't do much else with it other than browse bitcoin topics. (pc is an older core I7 w/12gb ram and 1.8tb ssd for the bitcoin data

If you are planning to actually use your full node and not just have it running to support the network, then it would be wise to switch to a Linux-based operating system because you will have more options. For example, it is much easier with Linux to spin up your personal Electrum server and connect mobile and desktop wallets, which usually results in more private and secure transactions because the Electrum server won't be storing any records of your balance and indexes all transactions equivalently. As far as I know, on Windows, you have only https://github.com/chris-belcher/electrum-personal-server but it is lightweight and has extremely limited functionality: it only supports one wallet at a time. The other option is Fulcrum, but it is Bitcoin Cash-aimed software and barely can be considered reliable. On Linux, however, you can install almost any implementation of the Electrum server, and they will work out of the box after a minimal setup.

[bananaunana]

Running your own node is not easy at all, mate.
I'm not an expert, I don't know code and I'm not running a node. Not running a node is normal for us normal people but we should know a few Bitcoin details: decentralized, transactions are paid to miners, difference public and private key, create wallet offline, Bitcoin Halving, Bitcoin scarcity limited to 21M coins and how many confirmatios a transaction has. I could list some more Bitcoin basics, where you need no coder knowledge.
Even when you hire an expert to set up yur node, you'll need to maintain it, monitor it, solve mistakes and similar tasks.
I can't give more insights because I'm not a coder.

Better ask your question in Bitcoin Technical Support, where Bitcointalk's coders are active.