The Handshake (HNS) cryptocurrency is used primarily for registering and managing internet names within the Handshake protocol. Here are the key ways HNS is utilized:

1. Domain Registration and Auctions: HNS is used to bid on and register top-level domains (TLDs) through a decentralized auction process. Users must acquire HNS to participate in these auctions, ensuring a fair and secure allocation of domain names.

2. Name Transfers and Updates: HNS is the mechanism for transferring and updating internet names within the Handshake system. This ensures that participants can manage their domain names without relying on centralized authorities.

3. Preventing Sybil Attacks: The use of HNS prevents a single party from claiming all the names, as it would be costly to do so. This maintains the decentralized nature of the Handshake protocol.

4. Network Incentives: HNS is used to incentivize participants to contribute to the network. The value of HNS is derived from the network of users, following Metcalfe's Law, which states that the value of a network increases exponentially with the number of users.

5. Wallet Management: Users can store, spend, and accept HNS using a Handshake wallet, allowing them to manage their domain names and participate in the Handshake ecosystem.

Overall, HNS is the core cryptocurrency that facilitates the decentralized management of internet names within the Handshake protocol.

To store Handshake (HNS) tokens, you can use a Handshake wallet. This wallet is essentially data that allows you to receive and spend HNS, place bids on names, and update resource records for your names. The wallet is made up of multiple keys, each consisting of a private key and a public key. The private key is sensitive and required for spending, while the public key can be used to receive HNS and monitor a particular address.

To set up a Handshake wallet, you can use tools like hsd and hsw-cli. These tools provide a powerful and modular way to create and manage wallets. You can create a new wallet, seed it with a mnemonic phrase, and encrypt it with a passphrase. This ensures that your wallet is secure and easy to backup and restore.

Additionally, you can use mobile crypto wallets like Viawallet, which integrates with HNS tokens, providing a convenient way to manage your Handshake tokens on the go.

It is crucial to back up your keys to maintain access to your coins and names in the future. You can do this by writing down the 12 or 24 words on a piece of paper, which can recover your names and funds at any time.

To buy Handshake (HNS) tokens, follow these steps:

1. Choose an Exchange: Select a reputable cryptocurrency exchange that supports HNS trading. Popular options include gate.io, MEXC, and CoinEx. Ensure the exchange accepts customers from your country and offers the features you need.

2. Create an Account: Register a free account on the chosen exchange. This typically involves providing personal information and completing Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification to increase withdrawal limits and unlock additional features.

3. Deposit Funds: Deposit a cryptocurrency like USDT, BTC, or ETH into your exchange account. This can be done using various methods such as credit cards, bank transfers, or peer-to-peer trading.

4. Buy HNS: Use the deposited funds to buy HNS on the exchange. You can place a market order or a limit order, depending on your trading strategy. Market orders execute immediately at the best available price, while limit orders specify a maximum price you are willing to pay.

5. Store Your HNS: Once you have purchased HNS, store it securely in a digital wallet. You can use the exchange's built-in wallet or transfer the tokens to an external wallet for added security.

For US citizens, buying HNS on Namebase is a viable option. You can purchase BTC on another platform, transfer it to your Namebase account, and then convert it to HNS.

Remember to always do your due diligence, diversify your investments, and only invest what you can afford to lose.