How does bitcoin mining prevent fraud?
Inquiring minds want to know: How precisely does the process of Bitcoin mining safeguard against fraudulent activities? Could you elaborate on the underlying mechanisms that ensure the integrity of the bitcoin network and its transactions? Specifically, how does the mining process with its computational requirements and block rewards deter any potential attempts at double-spending or altering the blockchain ledger? Additionally, how does the decentralized nature of the network contribute to this fraud prevention? I'm eager to understand the intricacies behind this crucial aspect of bitcoin's security.