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There are other alternative cryptocurrencies that you can mine from your home PC. This chapter will guide you on how to mine Dogecoin, Litecoin, and Feathercoin without having to use high-end equipment.
You can mine cryptocurrencies with your computer’s CPU even if the PC only has integrated graphics (this is however not recommended).
The first requirement before you start mining is a digital wallet; to store your coins. Go to the homepage of your preferred online currency and get the download link for their default wallet app.
If you are stuck and need advice or help, most of the altcoins have community forums and subreddits.
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THERE ARE ONLY TWO ways to mine digital currencies; using your Graphics processing unit (GPU) or central processing unit (CPU)—unless you have specific mining hardware. GPU guarantees better performance for the required cryptographic calculations. In case you are still new and don’t have a high-tech gaming computer, you can still use your laptop if it has Intel integrated graphics; just be prepared for slow speed.
For GPU mining, you will need dedicated graphics processors which you can have fitted in your PC (the Intel integrated graphics cards in most laptops are not suited for the task).
The process of mining crypto currencies is system intensive and can significantly reduce your electronics’ lifespan. Install an adequate cooling system and also hold on to warranties.
You can choose to mine alone or join a mining pool (where people bring together their processing resources and share in the rewards). In a pool, chances of success are higher, but the reward has to be split among all members. On the other hand, going solo means you do not have to divide the reward, but then the chances of solving a block are lower.
Cpuminer is a great software program to help you get started with mining. You can download it from SourceForge, and it is compatible with Windows (32 and 64 bit), Linux and OS X.
Setting up cpuminer as per the parameters of your mining pool is simple. You need to write a single line script (or ‘batch file’ for windows) to launch the miner with the right instructions. You will need;
• The full directory path where the mining program (“minerd.exe”) is stored (like “C:\cpu-miner-pooler”).
Open the word editor of your choice—but not a word processor like Ms Word.—and enter the script. Use this formula (assuming the currency is using Scrypt algorithm);
Start “path” minerd.exe—url URL:PORT – a scrypt – userpass
USERNAME.WORKER:PASSWORD
Save the file with a “.bat” extension. Next, double click on it to activate the program.
If you intend to mine with GPU, download cgminer and look for the version that will support your needs; it does not have to be the latest.
Assuming you are mining a Scrypt currency, research the best way to set up your graphics card. From there, input your details just as in CPU above and create a batch file with this command structure;
Start “path” cgminer – scrypt –o URL:PORT –u USERNAME.WORKER -p PASSWORD
You can run both cpuminer and cgminer simultaneously. This will show you how much better mining with GPU is versus CPU.