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George Levy

Newly expanded with even more video content, and constantly updated for 2024. More than 120,000 satisfied students worldwide have enrolled in this bestselling course, and have left thousands of 5 star reviews:

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Newly expanded with even more video content, and constantly updated for 2024. More than 120,000 satisfied students worldwide have enrolled in this bestselling course, and have left thousands of 5 star reviews:

"Easily the best introduction to Blockchain technology and Bitcoins. George explains in such a way that he is going to give a lot of people new career goals."

- Manohar

"Great course, with an instructor who is clearly very passionate about the possibilities of blockchain technology. It only takes a couple of hours to complete, but afterwards you really feel like you have obtained a good understanding of the fundamentals of blockchains and cryptocurrencies. Highly recommended."

- Mark Wever

"I have taken several cryptocurrency courses on Udemy and George Levy's are consistently the best. Clear, friendly and well presented, the course is laid out in a logical format with easy to follow visual aids."

- Mike Collings

"Great course George.

I've been involved in the Bitcoin space since early 2013 and I can honestly say that you have made some of the more technical aspects of Bitcoin and its underlying technology very simple to understand and retain.

Thank you for this."

- Jessie Yanger

"The course is very well organized for anyone to learn the technology step-by-step to build the concept and knowledge.

Especially, when the new terminology/concept is introduced, the instructor mentioned it briefly and provide the right level of explanation at each stage of the course. This is one of the best online training course to learn the new technologies, and the way to instruct is the most efficient in the planet. "

- Hiro Aoki

"Outstanding concepts and very lucid explanations. George explains complex concepts in the simplest of ways. May be after this lesson, can explain this to my 8 year old daughter. :-)"

- Avinash Sagar

"I am extremely happy that I took the course. The blockchain concepts are very well explained. The instructor's pace, his knowledge and his way of explaining things made the course all the more interesting. I would highly recommend this course.

A big thanks to George."

- Bharat K Dontamsetti

"What I love about the course's lectures is that by the end of each lecture I understood the concept presented clearly. Also, I like the opening of each lecture, it prepares the student, for me it lowered the fear factor when approaching a new concept in Bitcoin Network and Blockchain.

The course doesn't provide only the theoretical part of Bitcoin Network and Blockchain, George Levy provides many examples which delivers the objective of the lesson (lecture).

I truly recommend this course for new comers to Bitcoin Network and Blockchain.

Thank you George Levy for the great course."

- Ali Etoom

And many thousands more...

Quickly get the working knowledge you need and earn your certificate of completion in blockchain and Bitcoin from a globally recognized blockchain and Bitcoin expert by enrolling now.

Listening and acting upon valuable feedback from the many tens of thousands of students worldwide who are currently enrolled in this course - I have added new video and valuable content including Smart Contracts, Cryptocurrency, DAOs, and DACs.

I've also included lessons and a downloadable guide on how to best manage any possible future Hard forks in the most profitable and safe manner.

- Are you looking for a quick, highly-effective and easy way to understand blockchain and Bitcoin, without wasting countless hours sifting through unnecessary filler information?

- Do you want to get a firm grasp on what blockchain and Bitcoin are all about? Even topics such as Smart Contracts and Digital Tokens?

- Do you need to quickly learn the key concepts and vocabulary around blockchain and Bitcoin?

This effective guide will help you understand blockchain and Bitcoin, including more advanced topics such as smart contracts and digital tokens, and will set you well on your way to blockchain and Bitcoin mastery. 

You'll learn the key aspects around Blockchain and Bitcoin, including:

  • What is a blockchain?

  • What is Bitcoin?

  • What are smart contracts?

  • What is a cryptocurrency?

  • What are digital tokens?

  • How blockchain and Bitcoin are related and why it's so important to know the relation.

  • Some common misconceptions about blockchain and Bitcoin.

  • What is the future of blockchain?

  • How to get started with Bitcoin

  • Safely buy and securely store your bitcoins

...and much much more. You get lifetime access and a 30 day, 100% money back guarantee.

FREE BONUS: 

I have included two downloadable and printable PDFs

  • Glossary including over 100 of the most important blockchain and Bitcoin terms so you can have the essential concepts and language available with you whenever you may need them.

  • An Infographic guide with steps on how to best manage any future possible Bitcoin Hard Forks. 

This course will help you quickly master the most important ideas and topics in blockchain and Bitcoin.

I look forward to seeing you inside.

Best,

George Levy, CSBCP, GBP

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Have a strong understanding of what blockchain technology is.
  • Understand what bitcoin is and how it works.
  • Know and use key vocabulary and concepts commonly used when discussing blockchain and bitcoin in business situations.
  • Buy, use and securely store your bitcoins.

Syllabus

Understand what is covered in this course and be ready to begin the lessons.

I describe what is covered in this course including which lessons are focused on blockchain and which are based on Bitcoin, as well as how you can best take advantage of the contents.

Read more

A quick personal message.

Welcome to Blockchain and Bitcoin Fundamentals. In this video I introduce myself and I let you know how you can communicate with me and ask me questions. I also let you know more about what you can expect to see in the coming lessons.

Let's take a look at Bitcoin at this moment in time and a preview of some of what you can expect to see in the coming lessons!

Join the course community, meet people with the same interests as you and network to expand your potential.

Be able to discuss Blockchain technology and Bitcoin with others.

In this lesson we will review what a blockchain is and what makes it such an innovative technology.

I also include a downloadable glossary of key blockchain and Bitcoin key terms.

Let's do a quick check to see what you have learned...

Please watch this video. It has an important message about leaving a review for this course.

A description of Bitcoin, what it is, how it works, and how blockchain technology plays into Bitcoin.

Let's check what you have learned in this lesson with a few questions!

If you've ever asked yourself where bitcoins come from and how they are placed into circulation, this video is for you. We will be discussing the concept of Bitcoin mining and a very special group of nodes on the network called "mining nodes."

Bitcoin mining is how transactions are processed on the Bitcoin network, and how new blocks get added onto the Bitcoin blockchain.  It is also how new bitcoins are created and added into the system

Bitcoin is a type of Cryptocurrency.

Because of this, Bitcoin uses cryptography to control the creation of new units of bitcoin and to verify the transfer of bitcoins between parties.

In this video demo, I describe a SHA-256 hash function which is a type of cryptographic hash function that is used during the bitcoin mining process to sign, confirm and secure the blocks on the bitcoin blockchain.

I also include a link to the free, open source SHA-256 Hash generator I use in the video so you can go try it yourself!

Now that you know about Cryptographic Hash functions and learned what a SHA-256 Cryptographic Hash is, let's see how block hashing works and how hashes are used in a block that will be used in a blockchain.

In this video demo, I describe how a blockchain gets built and how it preserves its integrity by using Cryptographic hashes.

Earlier, we defined that "A blockchain is a constantly growing ledger that keeps a permanent record of all the transactions that have taken place, in a secure, chronological and immutable way."

As you will see in this video, this chronological order and how Cryptography ties into the equation is what makes blockchain such a powerful technology to keep Bitcoin secure.

Notice how a blockchain links each new block to the previous block by using Hash Cryptography, and how changing a single block "breaks the chain."

As you have learned in previous lessons, Bitcoin is a decentralized network with thousands of full nodes around the world which maintain an identical copy of the Bitcoin blockchain.

In this video demo, I show how all these multiple copies of the Bitcoin blockchain work together, and how having distributed copies of the blockchain help Bitcoin be more secure, while in the process avoiding having a single point of failure.

Time to see how much you understand the concept of cryptographic hashing.

There are four main components to Bitcoin which work together in order to enable Bitcoin to run.

We've covered them in different lectures of this course, now we tie them all together into one seamless flow.

In Bitcoin, there is a very important transaction called the "Coinbase" transaction. 

Find out in this video what it is all about and why it is so important!


Join me on a "virtual fieldtrip" through several leading destinations in Bitcoin including some block explorers you should know about!

Try it out yourself and go on your own Bitcoin virtual fieldtrip!

An analysis of key concepts in Bitcoin which you need to know about as they are very commonly used in regular business conversations.

It's time for a quick review of what you have learned in the previous lesson!

Where did Bitcoin come from? How did it all start? Let's explore the birth of Bitcoin.

What makes blockchain so valuable and why is it regarded as such a revolutionary innovation.

A bitcoin is a type of digital asset called a "Cryptocurrency." In this lesson we explore what cryptocurrencies are and some of the most popular types of cryptocurrency.

You may have heard the term "Smart Contracts" before. In this lesson we explore what they are, how they work and why they are so important.

As you continue to learn more about the value of blockchain, it's important that you learn about what digital tokens are, and how they are used.

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO) and Decentralized Autonomous Corporations (DAC) are a very exciting area in smart contracts and blockchain technology. In this lesson we discuss what they are as well as why they are so important to know.

This lesson explores 5 business use cases of blockchain above and beyond Bitcoin.

These are real use cases in renowned organizations, with real, measurable results. The objective is to show the impact of how applying blockchain technology can cause positive change, and drive performance improvements across multiple different verticals, organizations and focus areas.

Much is said about about the value and benefits of blockchain, however it is important to note that there are also limitations to this technology.

In this lesson I cover some of the most evident and important limitations of blockchain technology.

Here is a list of common misconceptions about blockchain and Bitcoin. You will run into these quite regularly and it's good for you to know the truth behind them.

On August 1st, 2017 Bitcoin went through a "Hard Fork" which created a new cryptocurrency called "Bitcoin Cash."

In this lecture, I explain what Bitcoin Cash is and how it came to be, as well as how it relates to Bitcoin.

I have also included as a downloadable resource an "Infographic: Hard Fork Guide" with "Three Steps to Successfully Handling a Bitcoin Hard Fork" like the one that created Bitcoin Cash.

In this video lesson I explain what Forks on a blockchain are, and I describe and compare the Hard Fork that created Bitcoin Cash with the Soft Fork which was used to activate Segregated Witness (SegWit). 

I also explain Bitcoin Transactions, along with what SegWit is and how it works.

Additionally, I have provided for you a valuable downloadable Infographic with 3 steps you should follow in case of a Bitcoin Hard Fork like the one that created Bitcoin Cash.

This is a very valuable lesson loaded with important information you should know!

In this lesson we will go over the number of transactions that are in a block on the Bitcoin blockchain, and we will look at a fun, informative way to view and understand the process.

In the previous lesson we spoke about the fact that there will be a maximum of 21 million bitcoins mined, and that we will reach that number by the year 2,140.

Given that we currently have at the moment of this lesson,  18.6 million bitcoins in circulation... How did we get to that 18.6 million number, and how will we get to 21 million by the year 2,140?

In this video I explain to you the reasons and the math behind the current number of bitcoins in circulation, and the controlled supply of 21 million bitcoins.

Since only a maximum number of 21 million bitcoins will ever be available.... That means that at some point - there will not be any more bitcoins to mine. What will happen to the global network of miners?

As you become more familiar with Bitcoin, there are several key dates in Bitcoin history which you should know about as they are very commonly discussed in various Bitcoin circles.

By now, you have learned what cryptographic hashing is, and how the Bitcoin blockchain is assembled and linked together into a chain of blocks of transactions.

It is now time to learn about "Merkle Trees", a very special data structure used in Bitcoin. In this lesson, we will explore what Merkle Trees are, how they are built, and we will see the way they are used to help strengthen the integrity of the Bitcoin blockchain.

A few quick questions to see what you have learned so far...

In this lecture, we will be discussing how the price of Bitcoin is determined. I also include some additional valuable resources as links which can further help you.

Before we move onto the next section where we get started with Bitcoin. Let's take a different, fun look at Bitcoin working hard all around the world!

You will know how to begin receiving, storing and sending Bitcoin.

This lesson is geared towards people who have never used Bitcoin and would like to know how they may be able to get started using Bitcoin.

In this lesson, I will walk with you through the process of choosing a Bitcoin wallet and I present you with various alternatives along with the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Let's explore how you send and receive bitcoins by analyzing a sample transaction between Alice and Ben.

In this lesson we will go over important safety precautions you should follow when storing your bitcoins.

I describe the differences between "Hot Storage" and "Cold Storage", and provide you with options you can use to better protect your bitcoins. 

I also provide for you a series of carefully selected links featuring additional resources that contain valuable information on how to further protect your bitcoins.

Once you have your bitcoins, there will be times when you will want to convert those bitcoins into local "fiat" currency such as dollars, euros or yen.

In this lesson, I present to you several easy ways that you can convert your bitcoins into fiat currency.

Have a full review of what was covered in the course as well as links to valuable free resources that will help them further.

This lesson features a review of what we've covered in the course as well as links to valuable free resources.

In this episode of the Crypto and Cookies podcast, host George Levy explains why everyone should consider owning some Bitcoin and how to get started with a special offer to receive $10 of bitcoin for free.

Bitcoin isn't just another digital currency; it's a game-changer in the world of finance, offering a hedge against inflation and serving as a store of value in uncertain times.

Learn how to begin your Bitcoin journey and claim your free bitcoin today!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by George Levy, who is recognized for their work in blockchain and bitcoin
Develops a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology's role and its implementation in Bitcoin
Uses supplemental downloadable materials for further reinforcement of core concepts (Glossary of key terms and Infographic guide on managing Bitcoin hard forks
Guides learners through hands-on instruction on how to buy, use, and securely store bitcoins
Teaches key concepts and skills relevant to blockchain technology and bitcoin, including decentralized networks, digital tokens, cryptocurrencies, and smart contracts
Suitable for those with little to no background knowledge in blockchain technology and bitcoin

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Reviews summary

Bitcoin and blockchain basics

According to students, this course on Bitcoin and Blockchain fundamentals is very well presented with excellent coverage of the material. Students also say that the information provided is easy to understand and beneficial to their personal knowledge.
Excellent coverage of material.
"Presented very well with excellent coverage of the material."
Information was presented clearly.
"I found it easy to understand..."
Personally beneficial knowledge.
"...of great personal benefit."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Blockchain and Bitcoin Fundamentals with these activities:
Review blockchain concepts
Align your fundamentals of blockchain concepts to be prepared to quickly grasp the intricacies of this course
Browse courses on Blockchain Technology
Show steps
  • Summarize the key principles of blockchain technology
  • Describe the different types of blockchain networks
  • Review the benefits and challenges of using blockchain
Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Blockchain and Bitcoin Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Blockchain Developer
Blockchain Developers build and maintain blockchain-based applications. As companies continue to adopt blockchain technology, they will require Blockchain Developers to design, implement, and manage these innovative applications. A strong understanding of the fundamentals of blockchain technology, such as the content that this course provides, will help you to become a successful Blockchain Developer.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. As businesses adopt blockchain technology, they will need Software Engineers who can help them develop blockchain-based applications. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to become a Blockchain Software Engineer who can help businesses leverage the power of blockchain.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts identify and assess risks. As businesses adopt blockchain technology, they need to understand the risks associated with this new technology. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to become a Risk Analyst who can help businesses manage their blockchain-related risks.
Product Manager
Product Managers manage the development and launch of new products. As businesses adopt blockchain technology, they will need Product Managers who can help them develop and launch blockchain-based products. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to become a Blockchain Product Manager who can help businesses bring their blockchain-based products to market.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, businesses will need Consultants who can help them understand and implement this technology. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to become a Blockchain Consultant who can help businesses leverage the power of blockchain.
Auditor
Auditors examine and verify financial records. As businesses adopt blockchain technology, they will need Auditors who can verify the accuracy of their blockchain-based accounting systems. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to become an Auditor who can specialize in blockchain auditing.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems and extract insights. The rise of blockchain technology has created a vast amount of data that can be analyzed to identify trends and opportunities. This course will provide you with the skills you need to become a Data Scientist who can specialize in blockchain data.
Researcher
Researchers study and develop new technologies. The rise of blockchain technology has created a number of new research opportunities. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to become a Blockchain Researcher who can contribute to the development of this new technology.
Educator
Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. As blockchain technology continues to gain popularity, there will be a growing need for Educators who can teach students about this new technology. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to become a Blockchain Educator who can help students learn about the fundamentals of blockchain technology.
Cryptocurrency Analyst
Cryptocurrency Analysts study the cryptocurrency market to provide insights to investors. Due to the recent rise in popularity of cryptocurrency, businesses are looking for professionals that can help them understand this technology and make sound investment decisions. This course, with its focus on blockchain and Bitcoin, will help you build a foundation to become a successful Cryptocurrency Analyst.
Cryptocurrency Trader
Cryptocurrency Traders buy and sell cryptocurrencies for profit. As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly lucrative for Cryptocurrency Traders. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand the cryptocurrency market and make informed trading decisions.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze and interpret financial data to provide insights to businesses and investors. With the growing significance of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in the financial world, it is becoming increasingly important for Financial Analysts to understand this technology. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the curve in this evolving field.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and manage their own businesses. The rise of blockchain technology has created a number of new opportunities for Entrepreneurs. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to start a successful blockchain-based business.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that businesses comply with laws and regulations. With the increasing regulation of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, it is becoming increasingly important for Compliance Officers to understand this technology. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to stay up-to-date with the latest blockchain and cryptocurrency regulations.
Investment Advisor
Investment Advisors provide financial advice and guidance to clients. In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, it is essential for Investment Advisors to have a deep understanding of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to help your clients make informed decisions about blockchain and various cryptocurrencies.

Reading list

We've selected 19 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Blockchain and Bitcoin Fundamentals.
Comprehensive guide to Bitcoin, covering topics such as the underlying technology, mining, security, and applications. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to gain a deep understanding of Bitcoin.
Comprehensive guide to Bitcoin, covering everything from its history and technical underpinnings to its economic and social implications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology and its potential impact on various industries. It is particularly useful for those who want to understand the broader implications of blockchain technology beyond Bitcoin.
Provides a comprehensive and technical overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies, suitable for advanced readers and researchers interested in the underlying mechanisms.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of Bitcoin, as well as its potential to revolutionize the global financial system.
Explores the broader implications of blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrencies, discussing its potential to transform various sectors and industries.
Practical guide to investing in cryptocurrencies, covering everything from the basics of blockchain technology to the different types of cryptocurrencies available.
Provides a detailed analysis of the economic and monetary implications of Bitcoin.
Provides a detailed and engaging account of the early days of Bitcoin, and the people who were involved in its development.
Provides a detailed and engaging account of the early days of Ethereum, and the people who were involved in its development.
Provides a historical and geopolitical perspective on the development of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It good choice for those who want to understand the broader context of blockchain technology.
Beginner-friendly guide to blockchain technology, covering everything from the basics to the different types of blockchain applications.
Provides a clear and concise overview of blockchain technology and its potential applications in various industries.

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