Part 8/12:
Benefits of Running Your Own Node:
Keep your queries and balances private.
Verify that your bitcoins are genuinely part of the blockchain, not counterfeit.
Reduce reliance on third-party services, which may be compromised or censored.
Using Complementary Tools:
Spectre Wallet offers straightforward integration with your node and hardware wallets.
Routing your node over Tor helps hide your IP and further protect your privacy.
Addressing Common Questions and Realities
- How many nodes are there?
Publicly advertised nodes number in the thousands, but many are private or behind the scenes. Exact numbers are uncertain because not all nodes broadcast their presence.
- Are miners also nodes?