Just download Bitcoin Core and make sure you have an SSD (HDD will also work, but I recommend using SSD) with a capacity of at least 1TB or 2TB ~ currently the Bitcoin network weighs around 700GB (I haven't checked it for a while).
Optionally, you can enable pruning so you don't need to keep the entire blockchain stored and the node will only download and check the recent blocks and delete the old ones, you can set the size manually.
I tried to dig a little further. Here are some links related:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/ywarm9/how_to_make_electrum_connect_to_my_node_and/?rdt=34579https://github.com/chris-belcher/electrum-personal-serverFrom what i read:
Bitcoin Core = software programmed to decide which block chain contains valid transactions.
Bitcoin Node = Electrum Personal server which rely on Bitcoin Core
I still have one question though; When i use the Electrum wallet (client), i can see, at the beginning that
multiple nodes are "synchronized" (for redundancy and safety?). In case i run my own bitcoin node, i guess i will
ask Electrum to rely only on my node (for privacy).
So here is the question:
Should i understand that redundancy is mandatory for nodes ran by strangers, and that since i trust my own node, i don't
need redundancy? I'm apologize if i'm not clear...
Also correct me if i'm wrong, but there is no rewards in running a BTC node, although it is not the case for the Ethereum network.
Cheers