Ethereum operates as a decentralized, open-source blockchain that features smart contract functionality. It is Turing-complete, meaning it supports a broader set of computational instructions. Ethereum's blockchain is maintained and updated by a network of nodes, which are computers participating in the Ethereum network. Each node stores a complete copy of the entire Ethereum blockchain and works with other nodes to maintain the network's security and data integrity. The state of the Ethereum blockchain is updated through transactions which are grouped into blocks by miners, these blocks are then added to the blockchain.

Ethereum's key features include Smart Contracts, a Decentralized Finance (DeFi) ecosystem, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and Decentralized Applications (DApps). Smart contracts on Ethereum are self-executing contracts where the terms of the agreement are directly written into code. DeFi applications aim to recreate traditional financial systems (like loans or insurance) with cryptocurrency. NFTs are a type of digital asset that represent ownership or proof of authenticity of unique items or content on the Ethereum blockchain. DApps are applications that run on the P2P network of computers rather than a single computer.

Ethereum currently uses the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus algorithm, the same algorithm used by Bitcoin. However, Ethereum plans to transition to the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus algorithm in a network upgrade known as Ethereum 2.0. In PoW, miners compete to add new blocks to the chain, whereas in PoS, validators are chosen to create new blocks based on the number of ether they hold and are willing to 'stake' as collateral.

Running a dedicated Ethereum RPC node requires sufficient hardware, a stable internet connection, and some technical knowledge. The benefits of running a dedicated node include contributing to the network's decentralization, having a direct method of verifying transactions, and being able to interact with the Ethereum network without the need for a third-party service.

There are multiple Software Development Kits (SDKs) available to interact with the Ethereum network. Some of the most popular ones include Web3.js, ethers.js, and Truffle Suite. These SDKs provide developers with the tools needed to interact with the Ethereum blockchain, such as sending transactions, interacting with smart contracts, and querying blockchain data. Here is a great resource

Yes, the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network is called Ether (ETH). It is used to compensate participants who perform computations and validate transactions on the network, as well as to interact with smart contracts.

Ethereum 2.0, also known as Eth2 or 'Serenity', is an upgrade to the Ethereum blockchain. This upgrade aims to improve the speed, efficiency, and scalability of the Ethereum network, and it will involve Ethereum shifting from a Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism to a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism.