In the proof-of-work mechanism of Ethereum, a user generates a transaction and signs it, which is then transmitted to the Ethereum network. A node records transactions and combines them into a block which validates each transaction and creates a proof-of-work certificate. Other nodes in the network validate and execute the transactions in the block, and the new block is added to the blockchain. To mine Ethereum, a user must have an Ethereum wallet, join a mining pool, and use mining software, and specialized hardware.