I read all the time about storing BTC in wallets (software, hardware and paper wallets) and I can´t understand what is meant by that. First of all, how can a virtual "thing" be stored? I can see how physical coins, gold, etc. could be stored in a box or safe, but how can a virtual coin be stored in a software, hardware, and even... a piece of paper? I still can´t grasp the logic of it. For example, if it´s just a computer file, then why can´t it be copy-pasted and turned into many files?
The reason for my question is specifically that I´ve read about many cases of stolen bitcoins, and I want to understand what makes it possible or impossible for a bitcoin to be stolen? How Can I buy a BTC and transfer it directly to a piece of paper (supposing I understand how that´s done) with zero chance of it being stolen?
Thank you very much for the help.
Basically the blockchain is your friend. Instead of trying to read up about bitcoin focus first on the blockchain. Everything else will fall in place. Good luck.