Improve public project README

README.md

@@ -2,45 +2,92 @@
 
 Vexta Core is the reference implementation of the Vexta blockchain.
 
-## Overview
+Vexta is an open-source, UTXO-based proof-of-work cryptocurrency built on the Bitcoin Core architecture. It uses a single SHA256D mining algorithm, ten-minute target block times, and a Bitcoin-style subsidy halving schedule.
 
-Vexta is a UTXO-based proof-of-work blockchain built on the Bitcoin Core architecture. It uses a single SHA256D mining algorithm, 10-minute block times, and a Bitcoin-style subsidy halving schedule.
+> **Early development software**
+>
+> Vexta Core v0.1.0 is an initial public release. Network parameters, software behavior, and compatibility requirements may still change. Back up wallets before testing and do not use funds you cannot afford to lose.
+
+## Download
+
+The latest Windows and Linux builds are available from the GitHub Releases page:
+
+[Download Vexta Core v0.1.0](https://github.com/VextaProject/vexta/releases/tag/v0.1.0)
+
+Available packages:
+
+- Windows x86-64 portable ZIP
+- Linux x86-64 portable TAR.GZ
+- SHA-256 checksum files for both packages
+
+Always verify the downloaded archive against its accompanying checksum file.
+
+## Included Programs
+
+| Program | Description |
+|---|---|
+| `vexta-qt` | Graphical wallet and full node |
+| `vextad` | Command-line full node daemon |
+| `vexta-cli` | RPC command-line client |
+| `vexta-wallet` | Wallet maintenance utility |
+| `vexta-tx` | Raw transaction utility |
+| `vexta-util` | General Vexta utility |
 
 ## Network Parameters
 
-- Consensus: Proof of Work (SHA256D)
+- Name: Vexta
+- Ticker: VTX
+- Consensus: Proof of Work
+- Mining algorithm: SHA256D
 - Target block time: 10 minutes
 - Initial block reward: 50 VTX
 - Subsidy halving interval: 210,240 blocks
 - SegWit: Enabled
 - Taproot: Enabled
+- URI scheme: `vexta:`
 
-## Building
+## Data Directory
+
+Vexta Core uses a separate data directory and configuration from DigiByte Core.
+
+The default configuration filename is `vexta.conf`.
+
+## Building from Source
 
 Build instructions are available in [INSTALL.md](INSTALL.md).
 
-Typical build process:
+Typical Linux build process:
 
-```bash
-./autogen.sh
-./configure
-make -j$(nproc)
-```
+    ./autogen.sh
+    ./configure
+    make -j"$(nproc)"
+
+Project dependencies may also be built using the included `depends` system.
 
 ## Testing
 
-Run the unit tests:
+Run the unit tests with:
 
-```bash
-make check
-```
+    make check
 
 Functional tests are located in `test/functional`.
 
+## Source Code
+
+Official repository:
+
+[github.com/VextaProject/vexta](https://github.com/VextaProject/vexta)
+
+Release workflow documentation:
+
+[RELEASE_WORKFLOW.md](RELEASE_WORKFLOW.md)
+
 ## Contributing
 
-Contributions are welcome. Changes should prioritize stability, compatibility, maintainability, and minimal divergence from upstream Bitcoin Core whenever practical.
+Contributions are welcome. Changes should prioritize security, stability, compatibility, maintainability, and careful review.
 
 ## License
 
 Vexta Core is released under the MIT License. See [COPYING](COPYING) for details.
+
+Vexta Core is derived from DigiByte Core and retains the applicable historical copyright and license notices.