I assume your trying to download the blockchain? There’s really no reason if you’re not going to run a node. Most archival nodes store and serve the blockchain. Just get the Start9 or get a mini pc and install StsrtOS on it.

Thanks for this! Tbh I watched this video and some other similar ones. Spam does have me concerned and I’ve always planned on running a full node I wanted to try out a simple easy free way to get used to it (also I’d love to show friends etc how they can do it for free- excluding electricity costs) My loose plan was just to update it every now and then when plugging in my hard drive. Or is this a total waste of time for a node?

Unless you’re specifically using it to broadcast transactions privately occasionally it’s kind of a waste of time. If you’re doing it for the learning experience then carry on and have fun playing with it.

Thanks this clarified a lot… On another note- I am looking for the easiest and cheapest way to run a node so that anyone can do it, even if they’re not techy or have much BTC. Do you happen to know what that method would be? Is it this one I just shared or is there a better way I’m missing?

I would say take inventory of what unused hardware you have lying around and ask grok what options it recommends based on that. Grok is pretty good at weighing pros and cons and giving step by step instructions for projects like this.

Ok diving in a bit more- seems like the raspberry pi is one of the cheapest ways to do this ~$100 but it does look pretty techie (to me anyway) A more non techie way is the start9 embassy pro- seems pretty plug in and play? I will probably go with the non techie way but it does still seem like it’s pretty hard for “most” people to run a node that will actually help. Does this sound about right? Also I didn’t really know about this whole liquidity and routing fees- it defo does seem quite complex to run a node properly- do you see this getting easier ever? (I kind of pictured most businesses being able to do this eventually etc)

I will dive into this properly next week- this looks great! I’m also kind of interested in mining but isn’t a bitaxe basically like a lottery ticket? I’m fine with that btw!

It’s all still so alien to me and just looks super confusing 😆 I will figure it out though! 2 quick questions: 1. What is the cheapest way to run a node? 2. What is the easiest way to do it? I’ve been trying to answer this for a while and I’ve had very different responses from people. It seems everyone has their own preferences etc

This is exactly what I’ve been thinking thank you again! I will personally pay for the plug and play start9 - but I do also want to learn the cheaper ways just so I can recommend it I’m weirdly excited about getting to grips with being in total control of it, I’m sure I’ll pick your brains again when I get stuck 🤝

Yes love this! Even purely just to see how it works and get a deeper understanding- I will definitely do this too

Install StartOS on a Mini PC Prerequisites • Compatible Mini PC: Intel NUC10 (i5, 8GB RAM, 2TB SSD) or similar x86-64 with Legacy Boot. • USB Drive: 16GB+ (USB 2.0 preferred). • Internet: Stable connection. • Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse: For initial setup. • Another Computer: To flash the USB. Steps 1. Download StartOS: • Get the latest .iso from

Sovereign Computing | Start9

Sovereign computing for a free future

(e.g., startos-0.3.5.1). • Verify SHA256 hash if provided. (Optional) 2. Create Bootable USB: • Use Balena Etcher: • Select .iso, choose USB, click “Flash!”. • Or use dd (Linux/macOS): • sudo dd if=/path/to/startos.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M; sync (Linux) or bs=1m (macOS). 3. Configure BIOS: • Insert USB into mini PC. • Enter BIOS (F2/F12/Del/Esc). • Disable Secure Boot, enable Legacy Boot, set USB as primary boot device. 4. Install StartOS: • Boot from USB. • Follow on-screen prompts to install to the mini PC’s SSD. • Remove USB after installation. 5. Setup: • Connect to monitor, access https://start.local via browser on another device. • Complete setup (password, network, services). Notes • Check Start9’s hardware compatibility list. • If Etcher fails, re-download .iso or use another USB. • Post-install, run headlessly with LAN access. For details, see

Start9 | Documentation

Start9 documentation for sovereign computing with StartOS