PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) FAQ
How does PGP work?
PGP is a type of "public key cryptography." When you start using PGP,
the program generates two "keys" that belong uniquely to you. Think of
these keys as computer counterparts of the keys in your pocket. One PGP
key is secret and stays in your computer. The other key is public. You
give this second key to your correspondents. Mixing his own secret key
and your public key he can create a message for you. [top]
Where can I get the latest version?
You can get almost any version of PGP you want, for any platform, from the PGP download wizard.
http://www.pgpi.com/download/
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What is PGP?
PGP (also called "Pretty Good Privacy") is a computer program that encrypts (scrambles) and decrypts (unscrambles) data.
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Is PGP really secure?
Yes and no. Yes, it is secure against most attackers
when used on a physically secure system in accordance with its
instructions. This includes using a good passphrase to protect your
private keys and keeping your passphrase and private keys truly
private. You must also never run or allow to be run any rogue software
(including viruses, worms, and Trojan horses) that might send your
passphrase keystrokes and your PGP key file back to some spy. [top]
Is PGP legal?
Using and distributing Pretty Good Privacy is legal if you are careful
to obey the intellectual property and export rules, as well as any
local rules that may apply in the nation you are in. [top]
Are all versions of PGP mutually compatible?
In general, yes. For example, a document encrypted with PGP on a PC can
be decrypted with someone using PGP on a Unix machine. ?International"
versions of PGP are compatible with the "domestic" (United States)
versions. [top]
How difficult is it to learn PGP?
The latest Windows versions allow you to encrypt and decrypt files and e-mail messages with a simple mouse click.
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How can I decrypt messages I've encrypted to others?
With PGP's public key encryption, it's impossible unless you encrypted to yourself as well.
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Is PGP available for my machine?
Versions are available for Windows, as well as various Unixes, Macintosh systems.
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Why "pass phrase" is better then "password"?
This is because most people, when asked to choose a
password, select some simple common word. This can be cracked by a
program that uses a dictionary to try out passwords on a system. Since
most people really don't want to select a truly random password, where
the letters and digits are mixed in a nonsense pattern, the term pass
phrase is used to urge people to at least use several unrelated words
in sequence as the pass phrase. [top]
Are PGP free?
Yes. Also, the free versions of PGP are free only for noncommercial
use. If you need to use PGP in a commercial setting (and you live in
the United States or Canada), you should buy a copy of PGP from PGP,
Inc. [top]
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