In this post we show you the 10 basic steps to access Web3. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google and Tencent announced deals with crypto/blockchain companies to compete with Amazon for Web3 cloud computing services. The origin of everything was Bitcoin. In this way, what began as a financial revolution has now expanded to spaces that we all use in our daily lives. Such as social networks, music, art, science, sports, streaming platforms, blogging platforms, e-commerce, hospitality, development platforms and, practically, any space in the digital world that we can imagine.
STEPS TO GET STARTED IN WEB3
At Blockchain Observatory we have prepared a list of 10 steps for you to start experimenting on Web3.
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR WEB3 WALLET
The entry point to the Web3 world is your Web3 wallet. The software of these wallets is what will allow you to start browsing the Web3 internet applications. The best-known wallet in the Web3 world is MetaMask, but you can also move around Web3 with other wallets. Trust Wallet, MyEtherWallet (MEW), Exodus, Argent, Rainbow, Phantom or ZenGo are some of them.
Each of the wallets named are fully functional with Web3 and all offer complete self-custody of your funds, making them perfect for entering the Web3 world.
STEP 2: SET UP AND PROTECT YOUR WEB3 WALLET
Once you have chosen your wallet, the next step will be to configure and secure it. Each wallet has its configuration process, something that you can easily follow on the wallet's developers' website. But you should keep in mind that if you choose a self-custodial wallet (where control of your tokens is in your possession all the time) you will have to be very careful with these two points:
Both points are essential to be able to recover your wallet in case the device where you have it installed is lost. Remember that in a self-custodial wallet there is no way to recover balances, you must have these elements well protected to avoid bad times.
STEP 3: RECHARGE YOUR WEB3 WALLET
The next point is to recharge your Web3 wallet, a step that often complicates for newcomers to Web3.
How to get started with Web3, the blockchain internet
However, many wallets are aware of this and have done an excellent job of eliminating this difficulty. They have done this by integrating payment systems that allow you to recharge balances with payment gateways that range from bank transfers, payments with debit/credit cards and, of course, in crypto.
STEP 4: START BROWSING AND LEARNING ABOUT WEB3 PLATFORMS
Once you have your wallet configured and recharged, the next thing to do is start browsing the huge set of Web3 applications that exist. There are platforms with directories so you can learn about the different decentralized applications that exist. DeFiLlama, DappsRadar or Bit2Me Directory are some. Web2 applications that you can enter and interact with your wallet.
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STEP 5: START YOUR EXPERIENCES IN DECENTRALIZED APPLICATIONS (DAPPS)
Once you find the DApp you want to use, visit its main website and log in to start using it. One of the great advantages of Web3 is that your wallet replaces complicated forms of authentication based on username and passwords. Simply go to the DApp and log in with your wallet. In fact, many times this login is only done once, so that with each new visit to the application, the wallet automatically connects and allows you to use the application from the beginning.
Another great advantage is that in most cases you do not need to give your personal data to log in, since your wallet address is your identity and your privacy is respected by the veil of pseudo anonymity. Of course, there are also applications where other identification processes can be applied, something that you must accept at all times when completing this data.
STEP 6: YOUR OPERATIONS UNDER CONTROL
Another great thing to keep in mind when getting started on Web3 is knowing how the wallet controls operations. Generally, wallets allow you to see the history of operations and the platform where you have made them. Some even allow you to control the level and quantity of operations, thus preventing you from going overboard with them.
STEP 7: STAY UP TO DATE WITH PROJECTS
Another crucial step to avoid getting out of place in the Web3 environment is to live up to date with the evolution of the tasks.This is essential to know the evolution, usefulness and capabilities of the projects. Above all, in a space as changing as the Web3 ecosystem. The best way to avoid getting lost is to consult the website of the developers of the DApp you are using.
STEP 8: LEARN NOT TO GIVE UP SELF-CUSTODY
Another important point as a user of decentralized applications is to maintain self-custody of your tokens, cryptocurrencies and, of course, your data within those DApps. This is a bit complex, but you should know that as a user you can start this path using a self-custodial wallet. Remember the list from Step 1? Well, there are all self-custodial wallets that will allow you to control the way your tokens/cryptocurrencies relate to the DAapp you are using.
But you must also know and understand the permissions that DApps require in order to be used. This is where you must do your own research and recognize what the DApp offers you. What data does it require and if this means that you lose or maintain custody of all your activity and assets in it. The objective of all this is to maintain manipulation of your statistics on every occasion you could, preventing it from falling into the hands of third parties and away from your control.
STEP 9: BRIDGING THE DECENTRALIZED AND CENTRALIZED WORLD
The Web3 world is not best complete with decentralized applications, there also are centralized programs, which consist of cryptocurrency exchanges. Instagram and its NFTs are an instance of the way centralized applications are making a space for themselves in this new technological area. Or the case of Spotify, which has implemented NFTs to listen to music through crypto wallets.
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In this aspect, you must get tools that allow you to enjoy the benefits of both worlds. For example, your Web3 wallet can be used to enter a DApp and obtain rewards for participating in its activity. However, converting these rewards into other cryptocurrencies or directly into fiat money will require you to complement your tools with a centralized exchange. Here I could see the importance of the union of Web2 and Web3.
STEP 10: NEVER STOP LEARNING
Finally, the last step to continue in the world of Web3 is to never stop learning. Web3 is constantly evolving. Blockchains, protocols, applications and their possibilities evolve. This forces users to be attentive to all these innovations and to continue learning.
What is Web3 and why is it the future of the internet?
By following these basic steps, you are now prepared to start browsing Web3 and discover the new way of relating on the Internet based on an economy of tokens (digital units of value based on blockchain). Learning to navigate the Web3 will be vital to moving in the future of our digital lives and the sooner we learn, the better.
