ripsline

Creator of Virtual Private Node
GPG: AFA0 EBAC DC9A 4C4A A7B0 154A C97C E10F 170B A5FE

Public Key

npub1ff9qafhjflj5egy2yr66mfj7gthak6f0dwy39lmvrefpcqj2lfss0jylh8

NIP-05 Address

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsy5jsw5meyle2v5z9zpadd5e0y9m7mdyhkhzgjlakpu5suqf905cgpzpmhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejszrmhwden5te0dehhxarj9ekk7mgs7vett

Publishing to

Author Public Key

npub1ff9qafhjflj5egy2yr66mfj7gthak6f0dwy39lmvrefpcqj2lfss0jylh8

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Last Notes

2026-06-10 18:03:26 UTC

Somehow this one never reached primal users.
Virtual Private Node v0.6.0 is live.
Coin control for channel opens. One UTXO in, one channel out. No change output linking your channels on-chain.
Blinded paths. SCID alias. Taproot channels. Tor-only. Coin control. All on by default.
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node/releases/tag/v0.6.0
https://blossom.primal.net/0d9766c89e0d7af9723a5fa8301686286a0921c7aaab3713ab5aba16dcd1687a.png

2026-06-06 06:23:56 UTC

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How back are they?

2026-06-05 16:21:30 UTC

#nevent1q…dckk
All Virtual Private Node runners can easily audit the Bitcoin supply.
https://image.nostr.build/76d5f8bb738aeb61023ad083918b24b09f235bffbc139f90d618204122629332.png

2026-06-05 16:20:38 UTC

All Virtual Private Node runners can easily audit the Bitcoin supply.
#nevent1q…dckk
https://image.nostr.build/76d5f8bb738aeb61023ad083918b24b09f235bffbc139f90d618204122629332.png

2026-06-04 21:55:44 UTC

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3. It's cute.

2026-05-29 16:17:39 UTC

Virtual Private Node v0.6.0 is live.
Coin control for channel opens. One UTXO in, one channel out. No change output linking your channels on-chain.
Blinded paths. SCID alias. Taproot channels. Tor-only. Coin control. All on by default.
https://image.nostr.build/37708138b122e0848fc959149344067471fdec4592b8607af51dd6f8bbc86cae.png
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node/releases/tag/v0.6.0

2026-05-26 07:17:59 UTC

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https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-05-26 07:08:24 UTC

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There are many reasons to run a lightning node on a VPS.
Aside from those, not everyone is or wants to be a sysadmin.
What you are describing is StartTunnel (WireGuard). If you are going to rent a VPS anyway, it is generally safer to run the node on the VPS rather than at home.

2026-05-20 23:08:19 UTC

⚡️ Virtual Private Node v0.5.0
Built to run a full Lightning node on as little hardware as possible. LndHub's RAM cost didn't earn its place.
Removed LndHub to free resources for an exciting new Add-on.
If you installed LndHub, see the release notes:
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node/releases/tag/v0.5.0
https://image.nostr.build/ea1f902acd2192e981450a5d9fa76f6482e817206f8e0c44c7553badfc34f587.png

2026-05-17 22:16:38 UTC

Freedom means never being tied down to one location. Security means never ordering bitcoin hardware to your home address. This is why we built Virtual Private Node.
https://ripsline.com

2026-05-17 20:06:20 UTC

South African bitcoin community.
What can we the people do to help?

2026-05-16 17:43:59 UTC

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We hear you. LND recommends running either Bitcoin Core or btcd as a backend. Knots runs the same RPC and ZMQ interface as Core so it would most likely work, but it has not been tested or documented by LND or by us. Virtual Private Node runs Bitcoin Core v29.

2026-05-13 21:18:05 UTC

Virtual Private Node v0.4.2 is live.
Every time you create a Lightning invoice, you're revealing your node, your channels, and your UTXOs.
That era is over. Blinded paths now on by default. Your node stays hidden.
Also, payment routes now show node aliases and per-hop fees.
https://image.nostr.build/5a12689dea38ddf5072d67e8920a8f1718868b9aa652146444ae8fbb881a55a3.png

2026-05-08 17:05:29 UTC

A Node to use Bitcoin, not just save it.
https://ripsline.com/

2026-05-07 17:05:23 UTC

OG cypherpunks would never carry around some fancy piece of hardware to store bitcoin.
They'd have a beat up old laptop or phone and a complete understanding of their device.

2026-03-29 17:00:01 UTC

the end of privacy is the end of freewill.

2026-03-28 18:14:01 UTC

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privacy is freedom.

2026-03-25 21:19:45 UTC

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terminal app?

2026-03-23 18:06:21 UTC

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Have you downloaded Accrescent store?

2026-03-18 00:17:50 UTC

some thoughts on lightning.
can be extremely private but it's arguably more expensive than just sending on-chain.
trade-off: everyone needs to connect to a large routing node for reliable transactions.
should it be "easy" to run a decentralized bank?
it's a baby.

2026-03-17 15:17:25 UTC

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how long did this take you?

2026-03-17 15:01:47 UTC

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can I flash it on a pixel?

2026-03-14 00:40:37 UTC

with great privacy comes great responsibility.

2026-03-13 22:39:48 UTC

those who continue to work in a browser over the terminal will continue to fall behind exponentially.

2026-03-12 17:24:15 UTC

computers are weapons (tools) and if we do not learn how to use them properly, our own computers will be used as weapons against us.

2026-03-11 20:48:39 UTC

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run a bitcoin lightning node.
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-03-11 19:40:08 UTC

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I'll travel with you.

2026-03-11 19:24:19 UTC

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thanks mate! I actually need to update the website. Use github for most recent info on the project. Love the idea of a "why choose this node" section. And customer testimonials too. Thanks so much.

2026-03-11 04:38:13 UTC

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let's go that would make my day sir.

2026-03-10 23:50:44 UTC

instagram captures men and women because it uses two of the strongest deadly sins. envy (women) and lust (men)

2026-03-10 23:36:04 UTC

we will someday all start our day by opening a terminal rather than a web browser.

2026-03-10 22:09:41 UTC

shoot to get hot, shoot to stay hot.

2026-03-10 22:05:48 UTC

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wtf

2026-03-10 21:38:17 UTC

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pretty sure #grapheneos stopped recommending Aurora store years ago. Probably not a good idea to share google accounts with people to download apps...

2026-03-10 21:32:09 UTC

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do people still use Aurora store?

2026-03-10 21:28:11 UTC

I think I may kill the web browser.

2026-03-10 21:21:31 UTC

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dying for feedback out here:
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-03-08 05:35:13 UTC

Virtual Private Node v0.3.4
🧅 ALL downloads route through Tor
⚡ Dashboard polls 4x faster
🔑 Seed confirmation: type "I SAVED MY SEED" to proceed
🛡 Rate limiting, IP stripping on LndHub proxy
📦 LndHub install blocked during IBD (prevents CPU timeout)
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-03-08 01:24:26 UTC

we reach our greatest satisfactions in the action of creation.

2026-03-07 05:27:15 UTC

the computer is a tool for creation. with great power comes great responsibility.

2026-03-06 03:11:41 UTC

what are we here for if not to change things?

2026-03-06 03:11:04 UTC

make privacy convenient

2026-03-05 16:18:07 UTC

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you're bugging

2026-03-03 18:18:02 UTC

Virtual Private Node v0.3.1 — Syncthing channel backups, simplified.
Your LND channel.backup now syncs automatically to your local
device over a direct encrypted connection. No Tor on your laptop.
No config files. No terminal commands.
Install Syncthing on your computer/phone. Pair it from the dashboard.
Done. Your backup syncs whenever both devices are online.
How it works:
→ Syncthing uses mutual TLS with Ed25519 device keys
→ Only devices you explicitly approve can connect
→ Unapproved connections rejected before any data exchange
→ Discovery servers and relays disabled — direct IP only
→ channel.backup is useless without your 24-word seed
The pairing flow is built into the TUI. Press [a] in the
Syncthing details screen, paste your local Device ID, and
the VPS shares the backup folder automatically.
Also in this release:
• Self-update screen appears immediately (was stuck behind q)
• Dashboard layout no longer overflows on some terminals
• LndHub clearnet connections are TLS-encrypted (docs corrected)
Virtual Private Node is a one-command installer for a private
Lightning node. Bitcoin Core, LND, Tor, and now automatic
channel backups — configured and running in minutes on Debian.
Your keys. Your node. Your backups.
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-02-28 22:51:12 UTC

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I use it for automatic lightning SCB backups. check it out: github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-02-26 22:27:00 UTC

Virtual Private Node v0.3.0 — Lightning Accounts
This release adds LndHub.go as a new add-on. Create separate Lightning
wallet accounts for family, friends, or AI agents — all backed by your
own LND node. Built from source at a pinned release tag. No prebuilt
binaries. Managed entirely from the SSH dashboard.
Each account gets a one-time login and password. Share the credentials
or scan a QR code. The admin cannot see user balances. Deactivation
records the balance so you can refund to a new account. Passwords are
shown once and never stored anywhere.
The bigger change is how clearnet connections work. Previously, LndHub
was exposed over unencrypted HTTP in hybrid P2P mode. Now a TLS reverse
proxy sits in front of it — self-signed ECDSA P-256 certificate with
your server's IP in the SAN. Same approach LND uses for its REST API.
Zeus users accept the cert on first connection. Tor connections bypass
the proxy entirely.
The proxy only exists when you need it. Tor-only mode: no proxy, no
open port, LndHub reachable only through the hidden service. Hybrid
mode: proxy auto-installs, firewall opens port 3000 for encrypted
access. Upgrade from Tor to hybrid later and the proxy gets added
automatically.
Security fixes throughout: SQL injection prevention on database queries,
double-sudo bug fix, account name input validation, sshd hardening with
drop-in config files, version cache moved out of /tmp. Code cleanup:
consistent command execution patterns, idiomatic timeouts, migrated
GPG calls to the system package abstraction.
One command installs Bitcoin Core, LND, and Tor on Debian. Add LndHub,
Lightning Terminal, and Syncthing from the dashboard. No wrappers. No
abstractions. Your keys, your node.
github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-02-25 17:51:25 UTC

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oh cool thanks. yeah I am curious what the whole setup is? what node implementation, wallet, etc.

2026-02-25 16:19:06 UTC

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you ever listen to Jeff booth?

2026-02-24 17:15:27 UTC

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LndHub is the sub-accounts tech.

2026-02-24 16:34:54 UTC

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u mean LndHub?

2026-02-23 06:56:24 UTC

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what about FUTO?

2026-02-23 02:34:14 UTC

Virtual Private Node v0.2.3 released — security hardening for private Lightning node.
What is it: A one-command installer for Bitcoin Core, LND, and Tor on Debian. GPG-verified binaries. Tor-routed connections. No wrappers. Your keys, your node.
What's new in v0.2.3:
Security:
• Fixed a shell injection vulnerability in the macaroon reader
• Tor config now rolls back automatically if an add-on install fails
• Network names are validated on config load — no silent misconfiguration
• Install check won't accidentally reinstall over a running system
Architecture:
• New paths package — every filesystem path defined in one place
• New structured logger — /var/log/rlvpn.log with [verify], [install], [tui] sections
• Safe binary file reader (SudoReadFile) — no more shell pipelines for privileged reads
• Dashboard polling guard prevents duplicate subprocess calls
Install on Debian 13+:
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-02-22 04:34:02 UTC

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what are you using to generate that lightning invoice on takemysats?

2026-02-22 04:05:23 UTC

Virtual Private Node v0.2.2 is out.
This is a one-command installer for a private Lightning node on Debian. Bitcoin Core, LND, and Tor — configured and running in minutes. No wrappers. No abstractions.
v0.2.2 is the biggest release yet:
Security:
• TUI runs as an unprivileged user — sudo per-action, not root
• GPG signing key moved to keys.openpgp.org with pinned fingerprint — no more circular trust with GitHub
• Bad signature detection — any BADSIG from a trusted key is a hard stop
• File permissions tightened across the board
Lightning-focused:
• Bitcoin Core wallet disabled
• Sparrow wallet support removed
• Fixed 25 GB prune
Hybrid P2P:
• Choose tor-only or clearnet+tor during LND install
• Upgrade from tor-only to hybrid anytime from the dashboard
• Zeus wallet pairing shows both clearnet and Tor connections
• Separate QR codes for clearnet and Tor
Under the hood:
• 60+ unit tests covering config, verification, torrc generation, and TUI state
• Typed JSON parsing for bitcoin-cli and lncli
• Install and wallet state tracked in config.json
• Version check cached 24 hours
Try it:
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-02-21 04:05:43 UTC

nobody is going to give their bot a credit card but they will give it a macaroon with an allowance.

2026-02-20 16:16:20 UTC

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mynymbox.io @nprofile…8rud

2026-02-19 16:14:03 UTC

I am betting on people wanting to learn skills that give them freedom.

2026-02-19 03:36:33 UTC

freedom is self-taught.

2026-02-17 18:05:53 UTC

power takes freedom. take your freedom back with tools that give you power.

2026-02-17 15:40:58 UTC

this and speech-to-text is the future.
#naddr1qv…n054

2026-02-17 15:26:56 UTC

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eventually most people will trust their little ai assistant with a few sats, no?

2026-02-17 03:51:00 UTC

run a node and stop using their money.

2026-02-17 00:17:23 UTC

Virtual Private Node — a private Bitcoin & Lightning node in one command.
✅ TUI dashboard
✅ Bitcoin Core
✅ LND Lightning
✅ Lightning Terminal (browser UI)
✅ Wallet pairing
✅ GPG verified downloads
✅ Syncthing (automatic channel backups over Tor)
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-02-15 18:59:01 UTC

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how come y'all don't have an apk? I don't like f-droid.

2026-02-14 09:12:33 UTC

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stock android?

2026-02-05 06:39:12 UTC

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imessage is crazy

2026-02-04 19:24:47 UTC

Nostr we will win.

2026-02-04 18:12:07 UTC

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HoneyB

2026-02-04 03:02:01 UTC

the idea of one device with many applications is a broken model.
the correct model is different devices dedicated to different tasks.

2026-02-03 18:33:39 UTC

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jumble.social
amethyst

2026-02-03 04:54:21 UTC

you have to be a good writer now if you want to have any online presence.
the most accurate AAi's just have the most reading material.

2026-02-02 18:01:08 UTC

what is a killer application that will bring everyone to nostr?
#asknostr

2026-02-02 17:37:27 UTC

what's up Nostr?

2026-01-31 18:06:51 UTC

every second we make small decisions that compound into large outcomes.
our minds have been trained to make the comfortable choice, the one that requires no thought.
if you want to separate yourself in today's world, all you have to do is think.

2026-01-29 23:25:36 UTC

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interesting idea.

2026-01-29 22:41:53 UTC

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that is awesome.
how far if ever until we have a stable terminal app that can be run from any user profile?

2026-01-29 15:29:37 UTC

IF you are gonna use a hardware wallet, it better be bought in person w/ cash or lightning.
#nevent1q…4p3d

2026-01-28 18:19:32 UTC

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what does a child learn when u give them a cold wallet with bitcoin you've been saving for them?

2026-01-28 07:14:55 UTC

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my kid will learn how to use a computer properly, no need for a cold wallet.

2026-01-26 08:40:26 UTC

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Gigi we are not mourning. Good rejoicing maybe instead?

2026-01-25 21:40:10 UTC

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!!! If you're gonna do it use a dedicated PC that has zero info about you.

2026-01-22 15:24:19 UTC

none of my followers want to earn an easy $100?
#nevent1q…09ev

2026-01-22 04:27:01 UTC

YO let's create #MoneyBadger here on #nostr.
I'll start.
If someone gifts me a Claude Pro subscription, I'll send them an additional $100 in sats.
email the gifted Claude Pro (~$220) to nostrmoneybadger.neutron309@simplelogin.com and include your npub.
I will zap you $320 in sats.
Yes, you have to trust that I will not destroy my brand and never zap.
The first comment with a matching email is the winner.

2026-01-22 03:59:55 UTC

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I believe financial sovereign bitcoin is accessible: run a node and do not buy from exchanges.

2026-01-21 22:06:15 UTC

what about the fact that we now have zero privacy when we want to drive a car?
#nevent1q…ma63

2026-01-20 19:52:39 UTC

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what did you have to change about Zeus to make it work in South Africa?

2026-01-19 00:25:27 UTC

if you attach your social security number to your bitcoin, it's not your butcoin.
#nevent1q…552a

2026-01-18 05:25:13 UTC

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what nostr client are you on?

2026-01-18 02:26:34 UTC

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I have read the documentation on that setup. It doesn't have to be that complicated.
I hope to work with you in the future.

2026-01-18 02:21:49 UTC

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no one should give a percentage of what they earn to a third-party bank, kyc or not.
when nostr is as big as youtube, there will be no tiny amount of sats and you can bet the LSPs will kyc users.
the third-party LSPs are trust models we need to remove, not encourage.
I appreciate your kind words, ripsline makes running a node as easy and private as possible.

2026-01-18 02:12:23 UTC

all the bitcoin influencers think that self-custody is the answer.
the only way we win is if people spend non-kyc.
remember? bitcoin was suppose to be used peer-to-peer, not peer-exchange-peer.
the whole idea of self-custody is a joke. the only reason it needs to be pushed is because everyone trusts an exchange.
if there were no exchanges, everyone would have to self-custody.

2026-01-17 21:09:25 UTC

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of course. love the service you offer. you might want to consider running BTCPayServer from a VPS as to not leak your residential IP address. If you try to use Lightning via Tor, it will never work. again, happy to help you out as I said I am a fan.

2026-01-17 17:56:44 UTC

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maybe you can transcribe the Pod then use @npub1yzv…rf8q.

2026-01-17 17:47:40 UTC

it hurts my soul how many cool projects on nostr use a third-party lightning service to send/receive zaps. this is not the way.

2026-01-17 17:35:15 UTC

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I would just do signal group and make sure they are a client before letting them in. would be hard to kick past clients. I would love to help you guys configure your BTCPayServer to better serve your Nostr profile.
Feel free to signal me @ripsline.01

2026-01-17 17:29:22 UTC

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Zapstore & Obtainium FTW indeed. check out some of my tutorials and make sure you always verify your downloads from Obtainium.

2026-01-17 16:53:46 UTC

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Please let me help the team setup a BTCPayServer. I charge one-time setup fee and provide ongoing support.
ripsline.com
https://github.com/ripsline/virtual-private-node

2026-01-16 16:53:40 UTC

I just want to live my life without a banking app.

2026-01-15 20:30:23 UTC

technical or not, everyone should run their own bitcoin & lightning node and gain access to a payments system with zero third-party fees. businesses & individuals should promote themselves to bitcoin's network of loyal customers.
ripsline.com makes it easy.
I encourage technical folks to install from github and provide feedback : https://github.com/ripsline/Virtual-Private-Node

2026-01-14 23:30:28 UTC

Better Bitcoin Beginnings
When I first discovered bitcoin, I heard "get your bitcoin off the exchange" and "get a hardware wallet", so that is what I did. I ordered a coldcard with my credit card and shipped it to my home.
Shortly after my coldcard arrived, I learned I need something called sparrow wallet to interact with my coldcard. All a coldcard does is generate a seed phrase offline and sign transactions through my sparrow wallet.
So I went down the sparrow wallet rabbit hole. I learned that when I use a software wallet, it is important to use a device that is mostly dedicated to the wallet. I needed to be very careful about what I do on this device.
I learned that linux is ideal for sparrow wallet because linux operating systems limit malicious software by design. I also learned that linux does not spy on users the way that MacOS and Windows does.
Next, I learned how important it is to download & verify any software I put on my dedicated device. This ensures I do not download malicious software that can steal my bitcoin.
After a few days of figuring this stuff out, I had my linux laptop with sparrow wallet. I downloaded & verified sparrow wallet using Craig Raw's amazing documentation on sparrowwallet.com. I was ready to use my coldcard.
I opened sparrow wallet for the first time and was met with the introduction, where Craig Raw educates the wallet user on bitcoin privacy as it pertains to bitcoin nodes.
I learned that I cannot use any bitcoin wallet without first connecting to a bitcoin node. I learned that it is not ideal to connect my wallet to someone else's node because they will see too much information about my bitcoin.
After a few hours of research, I found a decent plug n' play node implementation. I ordered it with my credit card and shipped it to my home.
Okay, now I have my own node, my dedicated device running linux with sparrow wallet, and my coldcard. I was ready to be self-sovereign. Wait, what was the point of the coldcard again?
I paid $250 for this fancy piece of hardware that screams, "I own bitcoin and the keys are right here." What if I lose it? What if someone sees it and threatens to kill me unless I give them access? This is not private, this is not sovereign personal finance.
To be self-sovereign is to have knowledge. There is no need for a fancy hardware device attached to my home address. I can download & verify sparrow wallet on a dedicated linux device and use sparrow itself to create my first wallet.
There is no need for a plug 'n play node attached to my home address. I can rent a Virtual Private Server and use BTCPayServer as my node backend.
I can access my bitcoin from anywhere in the world and never need some fancy piece of hardware. All I need is the knowledge to do three things: flash linux on a computer, download & verify software, and deploy BTCPay on a Virtual Private Server.
I never opened my coldcard.