Dedicated Bitcoin Computer
In this guide, you will:
- Understand why a dedicated Bitcoin computer is important
- Choose hardware for your Bitcoin-only machine
- Set up a secure environment for transactions
Time required: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Estimated cost: $50-150 (used laptop) or $0 (repurpose old computer)
Prerequisites: Spare laptop or desktop, USB drive
Before starting, make sure you understand:
- Hardware wallets and how they protect your keys
- Why privacy matters when transacting
Never use your regular computer for Bitcoin transactions! Malware on your everyday machine can compromise your security even if you use a hardware wallet.
What is a Bitcoin Computer?
A Bitcoin computer is a dedicated device for securely creating and broadcasting Bitcoin transactions. It runs minimal software in a clean environment, reducing attack surface.
Transaction signing should still be handled by:
- A hardware wallet, or
- An air-gapped computer for maximum security
Why Your Regular Computer is Dangerous
Your everyday computer is exposed to:
- Websites, downloads, and email attachments
- Browser extensions and plugins
- Various software with potential vulnerabilities
If malware infects your regular computer, attackers could:
| Risk | Impact |
|---|---|
| View your balances | Know how much you have (targeting risk) |
| Modify clipboard | Change destination addresses when you paste |
| Monitor activity | Track when you transact |
| Physical threat | Target you if they see large holdings |
A dedicated Bitcoin computer isolates your Bitcoin activity from these risks.
Guide Overview
| Step | What You'll Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Choosing Hardware | Select appropriate hardware |
| 2. Setup | Install and configure your Bitcoin computer |
Related Guides
For the highest level of protection, consider an Air-Gapped Computer - a device that never connects to the internet and handles all signing offline.
Enhance your Bitcoin computer's security with open-source firmware:
- Libreboot Guide - Maximum openness, removes Intel ME
- Coreboot Guide - Supports more hardware models