Does using the network require any special hardware or software setup/configuration/etc.?
Using the Ethereum network does not require any special hardware or software setup.
All that is needed is a computer with an internet connection and a web browser. The Ethereum network is powered by the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which is a decentralized virtual machine that runs on the Ethereum blockchain. The EVM can be accessed through any web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
In order to interact with the Ethereum network, users must install an Ethereum wallet. This wallet stores private keys and allows users to send and receive Ether (ETH) and other tokens on the network. There are several different types of wallets available, including desktop wallets, mobile wallets, and hardware wallets.
In addition to installing a wallet, users may also need to install additional software in order to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) built on top of the Ethereum network. For example, if a user wants to use a dApp that requires them to stake ETH in order to participate in its activities, they will need to install additional software in order to do so. Overall, using the Ethereum network does not require any special hardware or software setup beyond what is necessary for using any other web-based application.