Suggested OpenPGP software
Using GnuPG on a GNU/Linux Computer
Every major GNU/Linux operating system (e.g. Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc) comes by default with GnuPG for their desktop installations. The following directions assume you are using Debian or Ubuntu or another Debian-based Linux installation.
If you are comfortable with the command line, gpg is your best choice.
Seahorse is a graphical user interface for managing your keys. It is a useful program for managing your keys regardless of your email client. You can install it with:
sudo aptitude install seahorse
How do I use GnuPG with Linux and Thunderbird (Icedove)?
- Install Enigmail:
sudo aptitude install enigmail
- Restart any Thunderbird (or Icedove) instances.
- Follow the directions below to install and configure Enigmail for Thunderbird and generate a private/public key pair.
How do I use GnuPG with a Macintosh and Thunderbird?
- Download and install Mac GnuPrivacy Guard, or if you running 10.4 or newer, download and install Mac GPG2.
- Follow the directions below to install and configure Enigmail for Thunderbird and generate a private/public key pair.
How do I use GnuPG with Windows and Thunderbird?
- Download and install GnuPG for Windows, which provides the core GnuPG program.
- Follow the directions below to install and configure Enigmail for Thunderbird and generate a private/public key pair.
Specific Programs
How do I use GNU Privacy Assistant to generate a private/public key pair?
- Launch GNU Privacy Assistant
- When running for the first time, you should be prompted to use the key generation wizard. If you are not prompted to start the wizard, click Keys -> New Key...
- Complete the wizard to generate your key.
- Publish your key. Click Server -> Send keys...
How do I install and configure Enigmail with Thunderbird?
- Download Enigmail, a plugin for Thunderbird that provides OpenPGP support. Enigmail has an excellent manual to get you started. Below are the quick and dirty steps:
- Install Enigmail - see directions at bottom of page for how to download and then add enigmail to your Thunderbird/Icedove.
- Create and (optionally) publish your key.
- Practice signing and encrypting your email
How do I know what version of Thunderbird I'm running?
You can see what version of Thunderbird you have by:
- go to Thunderbird
- click on "Help" (File menus at the top)
- "About Mozilla Thunderbird"
Last modified
11 years ago
Last modified on Jan 12, 2013, 3:45:11 PM
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