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In the previous post we started talking about Ethereum, another protocol based on the chain of blocks (or blockchain). I promised you that in this second part we would see the practical side of the matter: how to get ethers. Go for it.
## Ethereum Wallets
As in the case of bitcoins, to save your ethers you need a portfolio. There are several options, both online and offline.
Mist is the reference portfolio of Ethereum, since it is the one offered from the official website of the project. This portfolio not only serves to save and exchange ethers, but it is also a platform to create and use smart contracts.
It is a very efficient portfolio, but it has the disadvantage that, when installed on your computer, you must download the entire chain of blocks to synchronize with it. This means that, in addition to the size of the program (about 55 MB), between 4 and 5 GB extra will be necessary.
Another interesting option is Jaxx, lighter than Mist. It is quite simple, and also accepts bitcoins (among other cryptocurrencies). If you want to use it, you just have to install the software on your computer and make sure at the beginning that the currency you choose is activated. And if you want mobility, you can also download the apps for smartphones and tablets (Android and iOS) available on the website.
With Jaxx, your private keys will always be stored on your computer, without ever being shared with the program server. In addition, no verification or private information of the user is required, which adds points in favor of privacy and freedom.
But there is a simpler solution still. If you are a Coinbase user for bitcoins, you have probably seen that it also offers a portfolio of ethers. If you do not know what I'm talking about, I'll explain it to you.
Coinbase is a very popular online wallet in the bitcoin world. It is very simple and easy to use, besides allowing you a lot of mobility - since it is accessed through the web or its application for smartphones. And it also works as an exchanger, being able to buy and sell bitcoins and ethers through its platform.
This is the portfolio that I recommend you use to start with Ethereum. But before launching, you have to be aware that Coinbase stores the private keys of your portfolio. That means that you will not have complete control over your coins - and you may even lose it if the company decides.
If this issue worries you, there is another very simple wallet that you can use over the Internet (although it is not an online wallet): MyEtherWallet.
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First create your portfolio by entering a password on the website. This will generate a file (.json) to download, which will contain the public key and the private one of the portfolio in an encrypted form. Save this file safely and remember the password you have written before!
When you want to consult the information of your portfolio or carry out operations with the ethers you have, go to the same page and select in the bar above what you want to do. A screen like the following will appear:
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Indicate that you want to access with the "File Keystore (UTC / JSON)", which is the one that you have previously downloaded. Then you can upload the file, and typing your password you will access the portfolio.
It's easier than it seems, I promise. And it is a very good option, also suitable for beginners. Try it
## How to get ethers
Now that you have a portfolio, let's put coins in it. How can you get ethers? In two ways: buying them or free through ethers taps.
To buy ethers, the two simplest ways are:
+ In Coinbase, paying with a credit card or a bank account. Here is a small guide on how to buy cryptocoins in Coinbase.
+ On MyEtherWallet, exchanging bitcoins for ethers. On the same page you will be shown the steps to follow to carry out the exchange process; but keep in mind that you will need the file downloaded at the beginning. It is a fairly simple process.
## The ethers taps
And we come to the most interesting part: earn free ethers. There are also ethers taps, which work like the satoshis faucets. If you have already used the latter, you will have no problem going to ethers taps. You will only have to remember to indicate the public address of your Ethereum portfolio (which starts with "0x").
If you do not know how a faucet works ...
A tap is a place where you go to claim coins, indicating the public address of your portfolio (either satoshis or ethers). Usually you just have to complete a captcha and a few antibots - to prove that you are not a robot - and click on the claim button. Easy, right?
In this link you will find the updated list of the best faucets to start filling your ethers portfolio. These faucets work with FaucetHub. If you do not have an account on the site, create one before claiming. And if you already have an account, link the address of your Ethereum portfolio in the "Wallet Addresses" section, to receive your new coins there.
You will see that the taps offer you gwei (or in some cases szabos) instead of ethers. Gwei is a fraction of the ether:
1 ether = 1000000000 gwei
1 ether = 1000000000000 szabo
They are very small units, yes. But the taps still offer decent amounts, which will allow you to accumulate coins quickly. Take advantage now that the price of the ethers is still relatively low, because when it rises, your cryptocurrencies will be worth more!
## ¡Do not let the ethers escape!