DASH is a digital currency that is used as a peer-to-peer currency.  DASH is a cryptocurrency, a bit like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH).  It is usually considered an altcoin, that is, not one of the main cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.  Like Bitcoin, DASH uses blockchain technology to allow trustworthy and rapid transactions.  However, DASH has several numerous improvements from the predecessor Bitcoin platform.  Compared to Bitcoin, DASH offers increased privacy, security and speed of transactions.  The costs associated with sending and receiving DASH (transaction fees) are much, much lower than with Bitcoin.  These added benefits make DASH a superior cryptocurrency for daily transactions between peers.

Cryptocurrencies, like DASH, are  'digital currency', using the fundamental blockchain technology introduced by Bitcoin.  The blockchain technology enables peer-to-peer transactions using a distributed ledger.  In other words, it allows for a single source of all truth, when it comes to what transactions have been completed, even though there is no central agency controlling or overseeing things.  Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, and numerous successors have been developed.  Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH) are a few of the more common cryptocurrencies you may have heard of.  Many 'altcoins', like DASH offer considerable benefits to users such as fast, secure low-fee transactions.

If you want to send or receive DASH, you'll need a wallet.  A DASH wallet is not a physical device but rather it is a digital means of accessing, storing, sending and receiving funds in DASH.  Although you can buy many physical wallets for cryptocurrencies, including DASH, physical wallet devices offer few beneficial features over software based solutions such as online wallets or smartphone apps.  You may have heard that you need a dashcoin wallet.  You can see all of our recommended dashcoin wallet platforms and reviews here.  DASH is sometimes called dashcoin so not to worry, all you need is a DASH wallet to store all your dashcoin :)

We recommend online wallets with quick and secure access from anywhere in the world.  Ideally a wallet platform that includes both online (web) access as well as a dedicated smartphone app.  Be sure to check out our reviews of the best online wallets here.

Ultra-rapid, low-fee transactions with security and privacy.    Dash boasts 1 second transactions and has no geographic restrictions - meaning it is a fully Global transaction platform accessible to everyone.  Built on bullet-proof blockchain technology, the decentralized DASH network ensures reliability and trust in transactions.

With Bitcoin (BTC) as the prototype cryptocurrency, all subsequent coins are technically considered altcoins.  Although, some would argue that there are a number of  "common" (ie. highly traded, with high market capitalization) coins such as Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT), XRM, etc.   The complete list of altcoins is too long to list here, the number is well over 1,000 altcoins!  See our info on where to buy, sell and trade altcoins.

There are a number of altcoin wallets available.   Wallets are usually referred to as "hot" and "cold".  A "hot" wallet is one where funds are kept in a form that is accessible online.  A "cold" wallet is one where funds are stored securely offline.  The benefit of a "hot" wallet is that the funds can be quickly retrieved, sold, traded or used as currency.  The benefit of a "cold" wallet is bullet-proof security.   Our recommendation is to use an online wallet that you can trust and that is backed by a major platform.  Here are our recommendations for the top online altcoin wallets.

It is possible to earn DASH through the process of "mining".  The nature of the decentralized block chain technology requires independent validation of each and every transaction on the network.  This is accomplished  when a "miner" includes the transaction (in exchange for a small fee) into the blockchain.   Transactions are completed once they have been included in a "solved block".  In order to solve a block, miners work to solve computational problems - an energy and resource intensive task.   When DASH was first invented, the only way to mine DASH was using a computer CPU or computer GPU.  While it's still possible to mine DASH using a computer CPU or computer GPU, the technology is no longer an efficient and profitable method for most miners.  Instead, specialized mining devices have been developed.  Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) devices have been developed that can mine DASH and other altcoins much more efficiently than with a computer CPU or computer GPU.  DASH mining uses the x11 algorithm, and x11 specific ASICs must be used as other algorithms are incompatible with DASH.  An example of a DASH  (x11) asic is the bitmain D3.

It is quick and easy to buy DASH online now.  Check out our reviews of the top DASH and altcoin exchanges.    Don't forget to check out our guide to buying and selling DASH here.

If you're looking to buy dashcoin, you're in the right place.  DASH is sometimes called dashcoin so check out our easy to follow guide to buying DASH and buying dashcoin :)

It is just as quick and easy to sell DASH online now.  Check out our reviews of the top DASH and altcoin exchanges.  Don't forget to check out our guide to buying and selling DASH here.

If you're looking to sell dashcoin, you're in the right place.  DASH is sometimes called dashcoin so check out our easy to follow guide to selling DASH and selling dashcoin :)