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"