I have a few more questions if you don't mind:
- I heard that bitcoin stored on a computer can get hacked. How common is it, and is it a big risk?
- How easy is it to transfer bitcoin from one hard drive to another? What happens if there's hard drive failure; you lose everything? Can they be stored on a USB key as well for instance?
- I was recommended Bitpay on a reddit thread - what do you think of this service?
Thanks for the tips, I hadn't considered Amazon gift cards, it's a great idea! Same for doing international business in bitcoins
- It's quite easy actually. Just copy your "wallet file" to any disk (cd, usb etc) (ps: don't use online storages, there's a chance to be stolen). Hard drive failures are such a big mess but if you store your wallet file then you can easily recover your funds. (There're some other methods like paper wallet etc, They're next step for you).
If you don't back up your wallet and your HDD fails then yes you loose everything.
-Bitpay is an option if you don't want to deal with bitcoins directly. They're giving fiat money AFAIK.
Not only amazon but also e-bay, starbucks etc gift cards can be purchased with bitcoins check here: https://www.gyft.com/buy-gift-cards/