Nice guide for beginners! Can I add some comments?
Maybe you have seen a Bitcoin address where the first letters are a word, similar like this:
1bitcoinFhq5qD3dDfHw6Lq4xdm81q15uT
1FUDfm8Fhq5qD3dDfHw6Lq4xdm81q15uT
1satoshi8Fhq5qD3dDfHw6Lq4xdm81q15uT
You probably know it already, but these are not valid Bitcoin addresses. Can you replace them by real examples (you can find some
here)?
2. Turn off internet connection while generating your Bitcoin address
Its also possible to create a vanity address when your internet connection is active, but for security reasons no internet connection is recommended. It would be even safer if you run the program on a computer that was never connected to the internet, but you can decide for yourself which security level is sufficient.
Unplugging your internet connection is not enough. Be paranoid and
assume your PC is compromised with malware that patiently waits until you go online again. Even if it was never connected to the internet before, you shouldn't connect it afterwards either.
One option to work around this would be using a
split key approach, in which the key is generated from an offline LIVE Linux system, and never touches your online PC.
You can write it down on a sheet of paper, store it in a safe place and save it also on an USB stick that you only use for your private keys.
Make sure to TEST IT before funding the address. Don't end up
like this case.
There are other ways offered on websites to create a vanity address, but I dont recommend creating such an address on a website. If you create your address by a third party (the website), there is a possibility that someone can get access to your private keys.
This warning can be a bit bigger:
If someone knows your private key, you don't own it and it will get stolen! Any website that offers you vanity addresses without using split key is a SCAM.
Some links to add:
Vanitygen: Vanity bitcoin address generator/miner [v0.22]Rare address hall of fameIf you like, you can post your customized vanity address here (but please without private key if you are planning to use it.)
My best one:
1NewbornSeatQVC9vegVHnxVseNAhhxewb