Sorry but even after reading plenty I am still confused.
To keep this really simple I want to know how to have complete and total control of my bitcoins, no exhanges or mining software. Id prefer just to write down my public and private address and thats it if possible.
I guess my first question is what really is a wallet? Is it the private and public address combination?
So far I went to blockchain.info and got:
Identifier
Address
I thought this was getting a wallet setup I am not sure why I did this now.
Then I went to coinbase and got a bitcoin. I need to get this bitcoin in my wallet somehow on Friday.
Someone said in another thread that blockchain doesnt have access to my wallet. What did I get the identifier and address for, I thought the address is the wallet? How do I simply get a wallet so I can move money by myself and then only have to worry about the public and private address?
Also, someone said you need to backup your wallet. If I have my keys written down and I never lose them why do I need to back anything up. It seems as though when I spent bitcoins they are gone from my wallet and when I receive them I get more
.why do I need to back anything up?
If I keep my bitcoins in my wallet and do not use exchanges what program/website do I go to when I need to send money to someone? Or how do you check your balance?