how does ethereum work

Ethereum is a network like the internet, but instead of being used for sharing pictures and websites, it's used for storing and running computer programs. These computer programs, also called smart contracts, can store and control digital money, like Bitcoin and Ethereum itself. People can pay each other and send money to the Ethereum network by using their phones or computers. It's like a bank, but with no bank workers, because computers take care of all the work. On the Ethereum network, machines run the computer programs that manage digital money, and the people who use ether can control their money and keep it safe. The computers on the Ethereum network don't just do one thing; they are constantly doing many things and running many programs. Everyone who is part of the network has to agree on how the programs are run and how the money is managed. This is done through a process called mining, which is like a game where computers race to solve math problems and get rewards. The rewards can come in the form of Ethereum or other digital assets. When miners have solved the math problems correctly, they are rewarded with a small amount of Ether, and the network agrees on the new rules of the system. So when someone wants to use Ethereum, they have to send money to the network, and then computers all around the world will process the transaction, and make sure it's valid. They will make sure that the rules of the system are being followed, and if everything is okay, the transaction will go through and the money will be transferred.