Changes between Version 10 and Version 11 of gpg

Timestamp:

Apr 17, 2008, 7:10:40 PM (17 years ago)

Author:

Daniel Kahn Gillmor

Comment:

cleanup, plus added section on GNU/Linux OSes

gpg

@@ -1 +1 @@
 [[PageOutline]]
-
 = How can I use gpg to both encrypt my email and prove my identity? =
 
@@ -27 +26 @@
 == Public and private keys ==
 
-The technology behind encryption relies on keys. A key is nothing more than a small text file with a lot of random-seeming characters in them. [http://current.workingdirectory.net/pages/identity/ My gpg key] can serve as an example for the curious. In order to use OpenPGP you will need to generate a public/private key pair. That means you will need two keys (two small text files with a lot of random-seeming characters): one that is public and one that is private. These two keys are generated together because they have a special relationship:
+The technology behind encryption relies on keys. A key is nothing more than a small text file with a lot of random-seeming characters in them. [http://current.workingdirectory.net/pages/identity/ Jamie's gpg key] can serve as an example for the curious. In order to use OpenPGP you will need to generate a public/private key pair. That means you will need two keys (two small text files with a lot of random-seeming characters): one that is public and one that is private. These two keys are generated together because they have a special relationship:
 
  * A message encrypted with the public key can only be de-crypted with the private key
@@ -36 +35 @@
 If someone has your public key, then they will be able to send you an encrypted message ''and'' if you send them a signed message, they will be able to verify your signature.
 
-It's important to note: you cannot send someone an encrypted message unless you ''already'' have their public key. In other words, it is not enough that ''you'' know how to use OpenPGP, your intended recipient must also know how to use it, have it setup on their computer, already have a public key, and already have given you their public key. Similarly, you cannot verify someone's signature unless you already have the sender's public key.
+It's important to note: you cannot send someone an encrypted message unless you ''already'' have their public key. In other words, it is not enough that ''you'' know how to use OpenPGP, your intended recipient must also know how to use it, have it setup on their computer, already have a key, and already have given you their public key. Similarly, you cannot verify someone's signature unless you already have a copy of the sender's public key.
+
+= Using GnuPG on a Macintosh Computer =
 
 == How do I use GnuPG with a Macintosh and Thunderbird? ==
@@ -49 +50 @@
  * Follow the [wiki:HowdoIinstallandconfigureFireGPGwithFirefox directions below to install and configure FireGPG for Firefox].
 
+= Using GnuPG on a Windows Computer =
+
 == How do I use GnuPG with Windows and Thunderbird? ==
 
@@ -60 +63 @@
  * FIXME: Need directions. Generate a private/public key
  * Follow the [wiki:HowdoIinstallandconfigureFireGPGwithFirefox directions below to install and configure FireGPG for Firefox].
+
+= Using GnuPG on a GNU/Linux Computer =
+
+Every major GNU/Linux operating system (e.g. [http://ubuntu.com Ubuntu], [http://debian.org Debian], [http://fedoraproject.org/ Fedora], etc) comes by default with GnuPG for their desktop installations.  For debian-based systems (like Ubuntu), you should be able to install enigmail with:
+{{{
+sudo aptitude install enigmail
+}}}
+And then restart any Thunderbird (or Icedove) instances.
+
+= Specific Programs =
 
 == How do I install and configure Enigmail with Thunderbird? ==
@@ -81 +94 @@
  * "About Mozilla Thunderbird"
 
+= Conclusion =
 == What else should I know about GnuPG? ==
 
-An important concept not covered here is: how do you get other people's public keys? OpenPGP uses a decentralize model of trust called [WikiPedia:Web_of_trust web of trust].
+An important concept not covered here is: how do you get other people's public keys? OpenPGP uses a decentralized model of trust called [WikiPedia:Web_of_trust web of trust].
 
-GnuPG only encrypts the ''body'' of your message - not the headers. Therefore, when sending email, your email address, the date of the message, the recipient and other information regarding the transport of your message may be sent in the clear. One solution to that problem is to only work with providers that use [http://help.riseup.net/security/measures/#use_secure_email_providers providers that support starttls] (note: May First/People Link, despite not being included in the list, does use starttls).
+GnuPG only encrypts the ''body'' of your email message - not the headers. Therefore, when sending email, your email address, the date of the message, the recipient and other information regarding the transport of your message may be sent in the clear. One solution to that problem is to only work with providers that use [http://help.riseup.net/security/measures/#use_secure_email_providers providers that support starttls] (note: May First/People Link, despite not being included in the list, does use starttls).