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# What is ThreeFold Farming?

ThreeFold Farming lets you contribute to the decentralized internet while earning rewards for providing storage, compute, and network capacity.

## How It Works

As a **ThreeFold Farmer**, you:

1. **Deploy a Node (3Node)** - Connect standard server hardware to the ThreeFold Grid
2. **Run Zero-OS** - Our self-healing operating system manages everything automatically
3. **Provide Capacity** - Your node offers storage, compute, and network resources
4. **Earn Rewards** - Get compensated for capacity and utilization

## Why Become a Farmer?

### 🌱 Simple & Autonomous

- Deploy once and let it run
- Minimal maintenance required
- Self-healing Zero-OS handles operations
- No complex system administration needed

### 💰 Multiple Revenue Streams

- **Capacity Rewards** - Earn for available resources
- **Utilization Rewards** - Earn when your capacity is used
- **Growing Demand** - More workloads = more income potential

### 🌍 Make an Impact

- Support a decentralized internet infrastructure
- Provide alternatives to centralized cloud providers
- Contribute to digital sovereignty and data privacy
- Build the peer-to-peer internet of the future

## What You Need

### Hardware Requirements

**Minimum Specs:**
- Modern server or workstation
- Multi-core processor (4+ cores recommended)
- 8GB+ RAM (16GB+ recommended)
- 500GB+ SSD storage
- Reliable network connection

**OR Buy a Pre-Built Node:**
- Various vendors offer ready-to-deploy 3Nodes
- Plug-and-play solution for easy entry
- Professional support available

### Other Requirements

- ⚡ Reliable power supply
- 🌐 Stable internet connection (wired recommended)
- 📍 Physical space for hardware
- 🔧 Basic technical comfort (if building your own)

## Getting Started

Ready to become a farmer? Here's your path:

1. **[Buy or Build a Node](./buy-node)** - Choose your hardware option
2. **[Set Up Your Node](./setup)** - Get your 3Node connected to the grid
3. **Monitor & Earn** - Track your node via the ThreeFold Dashboard

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### 💡 First Time?

Start with a pre-built node from a trusted vendor. This gives you the easiest path to farming while you learn the ecosystem.

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## The Farmer Journey

ThreeFold farmers have been the backbone of the grid for years. You'll join a global community of:

- Individual enthusiasts running nodes at home
- Small businesses providing local capacity
- Data center operators scaling infrastructure
- Community initiatives building regional networks

Every farmer plays a vital role in creating a truly decentralized internet.

## Resources

- **Dashboard**: [dashboard.grid.tf](https://dashboard.grid.tf) - Manage your farm
- **Manual**: [manual.grid.tf/farmers](https://manual.grid.tf/farmers) - Detailed technical docs
- **Community**: [t.me/threefold](https://t.me/threefold/1) - Get help from the community
- **Forum**: [forum.threefold.io](https://forum.threefold.io) - Discussions and updates

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:::tip Next Step
Ready to get your node? Check out **[Buy or Build a Node](./buy-node)** to explore your options.
:::