Cryptocurrency 101: What is it? Can you trust it? How is it used?

The words cryptocurrency, bitcoin, and ethereum may sound familiar, but what do they mean?
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency. In simple terms (on a very complex subject), it is limited entries in a database that no one can change without fulfilling specific conditions. It is designed to be secure and, in many cases, anonymous.
Cryptocurrency is sometimes considered digital gold. It is a form of money that is not issued by a government, with a fast and easy means of payment within a wo