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Getting PGP

MIT distributes the "free" version of PGP from its online Distribution Center. The free version is almost identical to the commercial version, called Network Associates. which is sold by International PGP Home Page There are a few differences between the two versions:

• PGP Data Security includes a file encryption tool called PGPDisk.
  
  
• PGP Data Security includes tech support from Network Associates.
  
  
• You may use PGP Freeware only for noncommercial purposes (that is, you must use it for personal rather than business communications); there are no such restrictions on PGP Data Security.
  
  

To download PGP Freeware, scroll down the MIT Distribution Center page to the section headed PGP Freeware and click the Download link. The link leads you to a page that requires you to attest to certain things--such as your legal residence in the United States--before you download the software. If you don't meet the criteria presented on these pages, you'll need to head to the documentation links to get a copy of the program.

Pretty Good Installer

You will need a zip decompression utility (such as WinZip or the freeware Power Archiver) to unzip the file you've downloaded.

After you've unzipped PGP's file, double-click Setup.exe to get the installer started. Click Next in the Welcome dialog box. Check out the Software License Agreement (it contains specific restrictions regarding your use of PGP Freeware) and click Yes to proceed. Click Next in the following dialog box, fill in the appropriate fields when asked to enter your name and company, and then choose a folder where PGP should live. Click Next once again.

When you get to the Select Components dialog box, you have to choose which parts of the PGP program you want installed. You won't need all of them, but some can make using PGP easier. If you don't use a VPN (or don't even know what virtual private networking is), uncheck the box next to PGPNet Virtual Private Networking. The installer also will look for Eudora, Microsoft Exchange, Outlook, or Outlook Express and install a plug-in that integrates the program with PGP. Uncheck boxes next to any e-mail programs you do not use and uncheck the PGP Command Line box (you probably won't need this component). Click Next twice, and the program will install.

Before closing, the setup program will ask if you have existing keyrings (sets of keys) that you want to use. Unless you've used PGP before, click No. In the final dialog box, click Finish. You may be asked to restart your PC at this point. If so, go ahead; if not, the PGP program will launch and begin the process of setting you up to send and receive encrypted messages.