Thanks for all the advice guys. So just to confirm, if I set up a virtual machine on a laptop/computer which I'm not sure has a virus on. If a virus is on that machine, will it spill into the virtual system and still be obtainable by hackers? Or it will be safe either way so long as I do everything specifically on the virtual machine? Can anyone confirm?? Thanks

Hi guys, I've asked a few newbie questions about storing BitCoins and still feel a bit worried I may mess it up. So just a quick question... before I start, I just wanna say, I'm aware that storing coins on any exchange means you don't own them and are vulnerable to hacks etc. I literally just want to buy some coins, store them long term, then sell them on. I have no intention of doing any activity with the coins or sending/receiving coins from others. Do you'd think this would be ok? I'm aware that CoinBase can freeze your account for any reason but do you think for the purpose mentioned it would be ok? I also hear CoinBase insure the coins, is this reliable? I k ow guys are very much against this practice but I'm just considering this as a newbie. Thanks guys

Thanks for all the helpful responses guys. So can I just clarify, if I open a virtual drive/machine on my current laptop, even if the laptop did have a virus on it, the virus will not affect the virtual drive/machine when using it? Is this because the hard drive will be partitioned to create the virtual drive/machine? Thanks

Hi guys, quick question. I'm hoping to buy some coins today. The plan is to try and store them in an offline paper wallet. Long story short, I'm not sure how clean my laptop is as the anti virus I use is free so I doubt it's gonna be as accurate as the higher paid anti virus brands. Anyway, if I was to do all the offline wallet moves in safe mode on my laptop, would that make it safe to do in terms of viruses being an issue? Cause as far as I'm aware, viruses don't work when in safe mode so I assume that should make it ok to do procedure. Any help, advice? Thanks

Thank you to both responses, I appreciate the advice. Just to add to this response in particular, I've checked out the sites and didn't realise a hardware wallet was what it is. I thought you buy software and install it to a normal external hard drive lol. Anyway, my other worry is, if you buy a hardware wallet, and the exodus wallet for that matter. If the computer has viruses will that still lead to the BitCoins potentially being hacked from the security keys being exposed etc? Also once you buy the coins, is it easy to transfer them to these wallets? Thanks again

Hi guys just looking for some educated advice, I'll try keep this short. I heard about BitCoin in 2011 when the surge started to begin, I didn't buy any due to fear of how to protect them. I missed out, now I want in. I want to invest in some BitCoins, LiteCoins, Ripple and Etherum. I've read about how to cold store coins on USB's and even paper, my fear is that this would be a complicated process to do and I may end up losing/damaging the USB/paper. So, my question is how safe would you guys say CoinBase is to store coins? Now, I understand you guys can only give opinions and it's my choice in the end, but educated advice would be much appreciated here, especially people who have used the company for a long time. Im aware CoinBase is an online storage so it's vulnerable to attacks. I'm only looking to invest say £200/£300 so nothing major but I suppose if the investment soars that would still be worth a lot and hackers will try get whatever they can. I read that they have a storage vault for long term investors which is done offline and you are actually insured should any loss occur? Is this very reliable knowing that BitCoin is an unregulated currency? One last quick question, am I right in saying I can't buy all three coins I mentioned off CoinBase and will need to go to other companies to get LiteCoins, Ripple and Etherum? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks