Metamask is an application you probably have heard of, maybe from friends or family or twitter. It is a browser-based crypto wallet that provides a "gateway to blockchain apps." Metamask helps users send and receive cryptocurrencies and explore decentralized applications(Dapps).

The definition above is a simplified definition of it. If you want to learn more, visit this link

Metamask is very useful if you need to create an account to try out a decentralized application or mint an NFT.

Setting up a Metamask account

Follow the steps below to create a Metamask account to mint that favorite NFT you love.

1. Download Metamask:
Metamask is a browser based wallet. You get it by installing a browser extension to your browser of choice. The official Metamask website is located at https://metamask.io

The landing page shows this:

Click on the Download now button:

I am currently using Brave browser, which uses the same Chromium engine as Google chrome. Hence, the "Install Metamask for Chrome" button.

Once installed, the extension logo resides on the top bar, adjacent to the search field on most popular browsers. Here is where it sits in the brave browser.

2. Create a Metamask account:
Click on the browser extension. The screen below pops up:

click Get started.

I assume you are a new user. With that, click on create a wallet.

Read through the terms and conditions of the extensions. Then, click on "I agree." The next page shows two fields.

A password and confirm password fields. The password you create helps to keep your account secured from unauthorized access.

You can make secure passwords for your apps with a password manager. A free, open-source example is Bitwarden

Once that is set up. Metamask shows a helpful video for keeping your account secure. Watching the video is the most crucial step in creating your account. Please, pay attention to this detail.

After reading through, click next. If you just skimmed through the content, here is a summary. Your secret phrase is a master key to all of your funds.

It would help if you did not give it to anyone unless people you trust very much. It would be best to keep it secure in either a piece of paper in multiple places or a password manager. I use the latter as it is more flexible.

Click Next.
The seed phrase sits hidden behind a lock button. Once you are sure no one is peeking behind your shoulders, click the button to unhide your seed phrase.

Next, you must take note of it and store it in a self place. Remember, you are in charge of the security of your wallet.

Save your seed phrase somewhere and follow the required steps. That should do it.

Voila! Congratulations. You are ready for the next stage of the internet.