> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.qwertycoin.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.qwertycoin.org/start/simple-steps.md).

# Getting Started

> **Verified against:** the latest stable release; exact review revisions are recorded in [Pinned source and release revisions](/contribution-and-evidence/source-version-matrix.md).

## 1. Choose a wallet

* **Desktop GUI:** easiest full wallet; downloads and verifies chain data through a local or selected daemon. See [Desktop GUI Wallet](/wallets/gui-wallet.md).
* **CLI wallet:** operator/developer interface included in the Core archive. See [CLI Wallet](/wallets/cli-wallet.md).
* **Web Wallet:** current browser client at <https://wallet.qwertycoin.org/>. See [Web Wallet](/wallets/web-wallet.md) for its trust and backup model.
* **Wallet RPC:** integration service, not a consumer wallet. Keep it private and authenticated. See [Wallet RPC Setup](/apis/wallet-rpc-setup.md).

There is no supported paper-wallet generator, Zero wallet, or current native mobile-wallet release in this documentation.

## 2. Download and verify

Download only from the official [Core latest release](https://github.com/qwertycoin-org/qwertycoin/releases/latest) or [GUI latest release](https://github.com/qwertycoin-org/qwertycoin-gui/releases/latest). Verify the archive against the `SHA256SUMS` file from that same release before extracting it. Checksums detect corruption or substitution relative to that file; they are not publisher signatures.

See [Downloads and Verification](/start/downloads-and-verification.md).

## 3. Create and protect the wallet

1. Create a new wallet in GUI or `qwertycoin-wallet-cli`.
2. Record the mnemonic seed offline. Never paste it into a website, support chat, issue, or log.
3. Use a strong wallet password; it encrypts the wallet file but cannot repair a lost seed.
4. Record an appropriate restore height near the creation block/date.
5. Receive a small test amount and verify the address before using larger amounts.

Primary addresses normally begin `QWC…`; current mainnet subaddresses use a different encoded prefix and commonly begin `Qqb…`. Validate addresses with current software rather than checking only visible characters.

## 4. Wait for synchronization and unlock

A wallet can show an incoming transaction before it is confirmed or spendable. The daemon and wallet heights must catch up. Coinbase/mining/service-reward outputs use the compiled Coinbase maturity rule; normal transfers use their transaction unlock rules.

## 5. Next steps

* [Backup and Restore](/wallets/wallet-backup.md)
* [Updates](/wallets/wallet-update.md)
* [Run a Full Node](/nodes-and-builds/run-a-full-node.md)
* [Privacy Model](/project/privacy-model.md)