As a newcomer to cryptocurrency, taking the first step carefully is essential to laying a solid foundation. This article will start from the most basic concepts, including how to choose an exchange, how to operate, and how to control risks, providing you with a complete roadmap. Let's address common pitfalls for beginners one by one.

**First, understand a few key concepts**

Before buying coins, there are a few things you must clarify.

Blockchain, in simple terms, is a decentralized ledger system where every transaction is recorded and cannot be tampered with. That’s why people say it’s transparent and secure — all transactions are visible, and anyone can verify them. Cryptocurrency is a digital asset built on this system. Bitcoin (BTC) is the most well-known, often called "digital gold"; Ethereum (ETH) is different, as it supports smart contracts, meaning its ecosystem hosts various decentralized applications.

Trading coins, in essence, means making profits from price differences by buying and selling cryptocurrencies. But note that this market operates 24/7, 365 days a year, with no limit on price fluctuations, which can be more volatile than you might imagine. Opportunities and risks often come together, and the level of risk here far exceeds that of traditional stock markets.

**Choosing the right exchange directly affects your experience**

Picking the right exchange is the first step to avoiding pitfalls. Beginners should prioritize well-known global platforms with large user bases, a wide range of trading pairs, high liquidity, and better security.

The registration process is usually straightforward — visit the official website or download the app, register with your phone number or email account, complete identity verification (KYC), and finally link your payment method. This process is similar to opening an account in traditional finance, mainly for compliance purposes.