# EN Guides: #1 – Get started

By [django](https://paragraph.com/@django-2) · 2023-05-20

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**_See more guides on_** [**_ethereum.network_**](https://www.ethereum.network/)

This is a short guide for absolute beginners to take a first steps with using Ethereum.

_From many possibilities how to start we pick here the one we found to be the best compromise of simplicity and security._

After you [learn](https://www.ethereum.network/faq/) what is Ethereum and why use it, it is the best time to get started. How to?

1.  Download wallet
    
2.  Buy ETH
    
3.  Use decentralized applications (dapps)
    

1\. Download wallet
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Our top choice for you is to use an [Argent](https://www.argent.xyz/) mobile [wallet](https://ethereum.org/en/wallets/).

[_Why Argent?_](https://www.argent.xyz/faq/)

Because of its enhanced using and security features such as:

*   no seed phrases, but instead you can use your family and friends to backup your wallet
    
*   allows you to lock and unlock your account, auto-block transactions, set a trusted contacts and other
    

[_How to create an Argent wallet?_](https://support.argent.xyz/hc/en-us/articles/360022512752-How-to-create-an-Argent-wallet)

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/e37326f7777388f4e1c8d9c8c0c04b83b8072dfa1ebf048402e74040fd836831.webp)

2\. Buy ETH
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You can buy [ETH](https://ethereum.org/en/eth/) directly in your Argent wallet. You just have to choose, if you buy it to your L1 or L2 wallet account.

[_What is L2?_](https://www.argent.xyz/learn/ethereum-layer-2/)

From users perspective there are 2 basic features of using L1 and L2 to know:

*   L2 has lower fees
    
*   you have to move your funds between layers, e.g. if you want to use L2 and your funds are on L1
    

As L2 projects are still in its beginnings and most of the best known dapps are on L1, we suggest you to start on L1.

_How to buy ETH on_ [_L1_](https://support.argent.xyz/hc/en-us/articles/360006505717-Buying-cryptocurrency-with-fiat-currency-USD-GBP-EURO-etc-) _or_ [_L2_](https://support.argent.xyz/hc/en-us/articles/5898687634833)_?_

3\. Use dapps
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The easiest way how to start using [dapps](https://ethereum.org/en/learn/#what-is-ethereum-used-for) with Argent is to try [DeFi](https://ethereum.org/en/defi/) dapps they provide in just a few taps.

[_Argent investment dapps_](https://support.argent.xyz/hc/en-us/sections/5527121046417-Argent-Vault-investments)

The other way of using various dapps is by using WalletConnect in your Argent wallet.

[_What is WalletConnect?_](https://www.argent.xyz/learn/what-is-walletconnect/)

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/4cc7eff6ce02f5644a31d627b912a34f54fd30fa9f259babaae29c31545823a9.png)

Here are some suggested dapps for you, that we will be diving deeper in next guide posts soon:

*   swap tokens on [Cowswap](https://swap.cow.fi/#/1/swap/WETH)
    
*   earn and win on [Pooltogether](https://pooltogether.com/) no-loss winning savings account
    
*   borrow or buy LUSD stablecoin by [Liquity](https://www.liquity.org/)
    
*   send ETH or use DeFi privately on [Aztec](https://aztec.network/)
    
*   stake ETH on [Rocket Pool](https://rocketpool.net/) and help by Ethereum’s decentralization
    

[_Explore more dapps_](https://ethereum.org/en/dapps/)

* * *

_Learn about some other wallets_:

*   most used: [Coinbase](https://www.coinbase.com/learn), [Metamask](https://learn.metamask.io/)
    
*   for privacy: [Status](https://status.im/)
    
*   for teams: [Safe](https://safe.global/)
    
*   [other wallets](https://ethereum.org/en/wallets/find-wallet/)
    

_Please let us know how you enjoy reading, what you liked or what you missed, by leaving a comment on_ [_ethereum.network_](https://www.ethereum.network/)_._

**_Not financial or tax advice._** _This post is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions This post is not tax advice. Talk to your accountant. Do your own research._

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*Originally published on [django](https://paragraph.com/@django-2/en-guides-1-get-started)*