Is OpenPuzzle Bitcoin mining?
No. Mining searches for valid block headers under a changing difficulty target. OpenPuzzle coordinates key ranges for the public Bitcoin Puzzle challenges. The workloads, evidence and possible outcomes are different.
Do I need an account?
No. Each installation creates a random local client UUID. The service does not require a username, email address or password to claim work.
Which hardware is supported?
The Linux package supports NVIDIA CUDA, compatible OpenCL devices and a bundled CPU backend. Actual support depends on drivers and runtime availability. Run openpuzzle doctor when the client reports an environment error.
Does faster hardware receive priority?
No. Every compatible participant has the same right to receive work. Speed is used only to size a range, select a compatible backend and improve operational efficiency.
What does the client upload?
Assignment UUID, anonymous client UUID, progress counters, checkpoint, speed and final status. A potential solution report contains metadata for review, never the discovered private key or raw engine output.
What happens on the first run?
Run openpuzzle run. OpenPuzzle explains hardware detection, profile selection, benchmarking and server connection as they happen. An assignment is requested only after the local benchmark succeeds.
How can I check whether OpenPuzzle is ready?
Run openpuzzle doctor. It checks configuration, private local storage, bundled engines, detected hardware, usable backends, benchmark profiles and runtime state. The online check uses an HTTPS HEAD request only and never requests an assignment. Use openpuzzle doctor --offline for a fully local diagnosis.
How do safe updates work?
Run openpuzzle update --safe. OpenPuzzle finishes active ranges normally, blocks new assignments during the update, installs the verified release and resumes work automatically without abandoning active work.
What happens after a reboot or power loss?
OpenPuzzle binds saved process state to the current Linux boot identity before trusting a PID. After a reboot, a PID from an earlier boot is treated as stale even if Linux has already reused the same number for another process. Interrupted work can then be recovered safely, temporary server failures keep local state for retry, and CUDA/OpenCL slots remain independent.
Where is a discovered key saved?
OpenPuzzle creates a protected local export and a visible notice under ~/OpenPuzzle-Solutions. The terminal also displays an explicit “PRIVATE KEY FOUND” action message.
How do updates work?
Use openpuzzle update --check, --download-only or openpuzzle update. Package identity and SHA-256 are verified. Installation is blocked while an assignment is active.
How should I stop the client?
Use openpuzzle safestop to finish the current range and block new work. Use openpuzzle stop only when immediate cancellation is required.
Who receives a puzzle reward?
OpenPuzzle does not take custody of a discovery or automatically distribute a reward. A discovered key remains on the participant's machine. Any reward handling is subject to the public puzzle terms and independent blockchain confirmation.
Is success guaranteed?
No. The remaining keyspaces are extremely large. OpenPuzzle reduces duplicated work and records coverage; it cannot predict or guarantee a discovery.