If you bought Bitcoin through centralized exchanges like Poloniex, BTC-E, Bitfinex, Coinbase ETC... Then you are not free, everything that is centralized can impose rules, restrictions, they can take on hold your Bitcoins, ask for ID for large transactions.
You still in the same matrix if you use centralized exchanges, if you really want control in your own hands use decentralized exchanges.
If your investments will make thousands you will get problems with centralized exchanges, take control in your own hands and use decentralized exchanges, don't be a sheep.
Next step is not using windows operating system but this is for next posts.
The BitShares based DEX is going HUGE right now! )
no poloniex? how does one cash out their steem? lol
Shapeshift
well that too, but i doubt poloniex would do such a thing... but who knows... cryptsy stole around $2k from me
We don't want banks and centralized exchanges is a bank for cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin gives freedom only if it's used right and that's why they created decentralized exchanges.
Only problem is I cannot buy the currency with dollars. I ended actually just joining coinbase, wasn't thrilled I had to use that particular service but not a whole lot of options in the US. Worked fine..
I did download Jaxx wallet to keep it secure with me than some company, next I will download that to a hard wallet. Just a beginner. I did just look at shapeshift but that looks like a way to transfer to one crypto to another, right?
Can you give a couple of examples of decentralised exchanges?
And I'm already on Linux, I'm curious what OS you are using.
https://bitsquare.io/downloads/ is best decentralized exchange i can think of.
http://openbazaar.org/
https://www.bitrated.com/