Complete Beginner's Guide to VORTEX

1.1 Download Official Tor Browser

Follow these steps to safely download authentic Tor Browser:

• Visit torproject.org in your regular browser
• Click "Download Tor Browser" for your operating system
• Save the installer to your Downloads folder
• Verify digital signature (advanced users - optional but recommended)

1.2 Install and Launch

Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. On Windows, you can install to Desktop or Documents folder. Launch Tor Browser after installation completes.

• Windows: Double-click installer, choose language, select install location
• Mac: Drag Tor Browser to Applications folder, launch from Applications
• Linux: Extract archive, run ./start-tor-browser.desktop

1.3 Configure Security Settings

After Tor Browser launches, configure security settings for Vortex Market access:

• Click the shield icon in the top-right corner
• Select "Advanced Security Settings..."
• Choose "Safest" security level (disables JavaScript, some fonts, images on HTTPS sites)
• Never resize the browser window - this prevents fingerprinting
• Verify connection: Visit check.torproject.org - should say "Congratulations. This browser is configured to use Tor."

✓ Security Checkpoint: You now have secure, anonymous access to .onion websites. Test by visiting legitimate .onion sites like ProtonMail or DuckDuckGo onion addresses.

2.1 Why PGP is Mandatory

Vortex Market requires PGP encryption for all communications containing sensitive information (shipping addresses, phone numbers, etc.). PGP ensures only you and your vendor can read messages.

2.2 Install PGP Software

Download appropriate PGP software for your operating system:

• Windows: Gpg4win from gpg4win.org (includes Kleopatra GUI)
• Mac: GPG Suite from gpgtools.org
• Linux: GnuPG (usually pre-installed, or install via package manager)

2.3 Generate Your PGP Keypair

Open Kleopatra (Windows) or GPG Keychain (Mac) and create new keypair:

• Click "New Key Pair" or "New"
• Enter name (can use pseudonym for Vortex) and optional email
• Click "Advanced Settings" and select RSA 4096-bit key
• Create strong passphrase (25+ characters, mix of letters/numbers/symbols)
• Store passphrase in secure password manager - NEVER lose this

2.4 Backup Your Private Key

CRITICAL: Backup your private key immediately. If you lose it, you lose access to all encrypted messages.

• Right-click your key → "Export Secret Keys..."
• Save to encrypted USB drive (use VeraCrypt or BitLocker)
• Store USB drive in secure physical location
• NEVER share private key with anyone, including vendors

✓ Security Checkpoint: Test your PGP setup by encrypting a test message to yourself. If you can decrypt it successfully, your PGP is configured correctly.

3.1 Choose Your Cryptocurrency

Vortex Market accepts Monero (XMR) and Bitcoin (BTC). Monero is strongly recommended for privacy:

• Monero (XMR): Private by default, transactions untraceable, lower fees
• Bitcoin (BTC): More widely available, but requires mixing/coinjoin for privacy

3.2 Install Monero Wallet (Recommended)

Download official Monero GUI wallet from getmonero.org/downloads:

• Download GUI wallet for your operating system
• Verify hash signature (instructions on website)
• Install and launch wallet application
• Select "Create new wallet" (or restore if you have seed)
• Choose "Advanced mode" for full control

3.3 Secure Your Seed Phrase

During wallet creation, you'll receive a 25-word seed phrase. This is your wallet backup:

• Write down all 25 words on paper in correct order
• Store paper in secure location (safe, safety deposit box)
• NEVER type seed into computer except when restoring wallet
• NEVER screenshot or photograph seed phrase
• Anyone with seed phrase controls your funds - guard with your life

3.4 Purchase Cryptocurrency

Buy Monero or Bitcoin from cryptocurrency exchange:

• Exchanges: Kraken, Binance, LocalMonero (peer-to-peer)
• Complete exchange KYC verification (unavoidable for most exchanges)
• Purchase desired amount + extra for fees (typically 2-5%)
• Withdraw to your wallet immediately - never store on exchange

⚠️ Privacy Warning: For maximum privacy, use LocalMonero or Bisq for peer-to-peer purchases with cash. Exchange purchases link your identity to cryptocurrency.

4.1 Find Official Mirror Links

Visit our official mirrors page to find current Vortex Market .onion URLs. NEVER use links from forums or random websites - only trust Vortex official sources.

4.2 Verify Mirror Authenticity

Before logging in, verify you're on legitimate Vortex Market:

• Check URL matches official list exactly (one character difference = phishing)
• Look for PGP-signed message on login page
• Verify PGP signature using Vortex official public key
• Bookmark verified mirror in Tor Browser

4.3 Create Your Account

Register for Vortex Market account:

• Click "Register" or "Create Account"
• Choose unique username (not used anywhere else)
• Generate strong password (use password manager)
• Complete captcha verification
• Save login PIN if provided
• Immediately enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)

4.4 Configure Account Security

After account creation, configure security settings:

• Enable 2FA: Scan QR code with Google Authenticator or Authy
• Add PGP Key: Copy/paste your public key to account settings
• Set Security PIN: 6-digit PIN for withdrawals (if available)
• Enable Login Notifications: Get alerts for account access

✓ Security Checkpoint: Your Vortex Market account is now secured with 2FA and PGP encryption. Test 2FA by logging out and back in.

5.1 Research Vendors

Before purchasing, research vendor reputation on Vortex Market:

• Check vendor rating (4.5+ stars recommended for beginners)
• Read recent reviews (last 30 days most relevant)
• Verify vendor PGP key age (older keys = more established)
• Check total transactions (100+ transactions = experienced vendor)
• Look for "Verified Vendor" or "Level 5" badges

5.2 Deposit Cryptocurrency

Deposit funds to your Vortex Market account:

• Navigate to "Wallet" or "Deposit" section
• Generate new deposit address (unique for each deposit)
• Copy address carefully (verify character-by-character)
• Send cryptocurrency from your wallet to deposit address
• Wait for blockchain confirmations (2-6 confirmations typical)

5.3 Place Order

Browse products and add to cart:

• Search for desired product using marketplace search
• Read full product description and vendor terms
• Select quantity and any product options
• Click "Add to Cart" or "Buy Now"
• Review order details at checkout

5.4 Encrypt Shipping Information

CRITICAL: Encrypt all shipping information with vendor's PGP key:

• Copy vendor's public PGP key from their profile
• Import key into your PGP software
• Write shipping address in plain text file
• Encrypt message using vendor's public key
• Copy encrypted message (begins with -----BEGIN PGP MESSAGE-----)
• Paste into order notes or shipping address field

5.5 Complete Purchase

Finalize order with Vortex Market escrow:

• Select "Escrow Payment" (protects both parties)
• Confirm order total including escrow fees
• Click "Confirm Purchase" or "Place Order"
• Funds move to escrow (vendor cannot access until you finalize)
• Save order number for reference

✓ Purchase Complete: Your order is now in escrow. Vendor will process and ship. Track order status in "My Orders" section.

6.1 Monitor Order Status

Track your order on Vortex Market:

• Check "My Orders" daily for updates
• Vendor will mark "Shipped" when package sent
• Shipping time varies (domestic 3-7 days, international 10-30 days)
• Vendor may provide tracking number (encrypted via PGP)

6.2 Package Delivery

When package arrives:

• Inspect package for signs of tampering before opening
• Open in private location away from cameras
• Verify contents match order description
• Destroy all packaging securely (burn or cross-cut shred)

6.3 Finalize Order

Release escrow funds to vendor if satisfied:

• Log into Vortex Market
• Navigate to "My Orders" → select order
• Click "Finalize Order" or "Release Escrow"
• Funds transfer from escrow to vendor
• Leave honest review for vendor (helps community)

⚠️ Dispute Warning: If package doesn't arrive or contents incorrect, open dispute BEFORE finalizing. Escrow protects you. Once finalized, funds cannot be recovered.