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Ethereum is a global open-source blockchain platform. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily solves value transfer, Ethereum's core capability is running code—anyone can deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dapps).

Think of Ethereum as a 'world computer' maintained by thousands of machines worldwide. It is resilient and flexible: in theory, any computation can run on-chain if you pay the corresponding gas.

Ethereum is not meant to replace the entire internet, but to offer an alternative where no centralized monopolist sets the rules—the foundation of the Web3 vision.

For investors, distinguish the network (infrastructure) from ETH (the native asset). The network provides computation and settlement; ETH is the fuel and the key collateral securing the network.

The Ethereum community includes developers, researchers, validators, users, and the Foundation. Protocol upgrades are debated openly through the EIP process—no single company can unilaterally change the rules.