A Bitcoin node is a computer that runs the Bitcoin software and helps to maintain the decentralized network of Bitcoin. It does this by validating and relaying transactions, as well as helping to enforce the rules of the Bitcoin protocol.
One of the main functions of a Bitcoin node is to validate transactions and blocks. When a node receives a new transaction, it checks to make sure that the transaction is valid and follows all of the rules of the Bitcoin protocol. If the transaction is valid, the node will then forward it on to other nodes in the network. Similarly, when a new block is mined, the node will check to make sure that it follows all of the rules of the Bitcoin protocol, and if it does, it will add the block to its copy of the blockchain and forward it on to other nodes.
To get the best knowledge to successfully run a Bitcoin node, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the technical details of the Bitcoin protocol, as well as the various software tools and resources available for running a node. This may involve reading technical documentation, participating in online forums or discussion groups, and perhaps even joining a Bitcoin development community.
There are several benefits to running a Bitcoin node on your personal computer. For one, it helps to strengthen the decentralized nature of the Bitcoin network by providing additional resources for validating and relaying transactions. Additionally, running a node can give you a greater understanding of how the Bitcoin network works and how it is secured, which can be useful for anyone interested in the technology.
As far as how long your computer needs to remain active for a successful node operation, it depends on the specific hardware and software you are using, as well as the level of activity on the Bitcoin network. In general, it is recommended to keep your node running as much as possible, as this helps to ensure that it is able to process and validate transactions in a timely manner. However, it is not necessary to keep your computer running constantly, and you can still run a node effectively even if your computer is turned off for short periods of time.