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documentation:gnupg-intro

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GnuPG introduction tutorial

Introduction

This document describes how to use gnupg (gpg) tool to make a basic (everyday) operations, described in this page. Also, it's highly recommended to read mentioned document first.

GnuPG is a standard tool to use. It's a text-based console application, but it's a way more ease to use comparing with a graphical application.

Getting GnuPG

Mac OS X

Install brew tool

Brew tool is a tool of Homebrew_(package_management_software), so, in order to install it, please do the following:

  • Open a terminal found on /Applications/Utilities/
  • Run xcode-select –install

install-command-line-tools-os-x.jpg

  • Click install button on the dialog

confirm-install-command-line-tools-mac-os-x.jpg

  • Wait until complete

downloading-command-line-tools.jpg

The full article might be found at http://osxdaily.com/2014/02/12/install-command-line-tools-mac-os-x/

Brew

It's an easy to do in MacOS using brew. Just run in the terminal (mentioned early): brew install gpg

Debian-based OSes (ubuntu, debian, devuan)

You need a sudo access in order to install a package.

Open your favourite terminal and type sudo apt-get install gpg.

Please note, in most cases gpg is already installed.

SuSe/OpenSuse

The same requirements.

Open your favourite terminal and type sudo zypper install gpg.

Please note, in most cases gpg is already installed.

Other linuxes/BSDs

Use your own package manager, or compile GnuPG from source.

Windows

Under windows it's possible to get it running via cygwin.

Using GnuPG

Key creation

In order to create a key pair type in terminal the following: gpg –full-generate-key

Choose first method e.g. RSA and RSA.

Choose 4096 bits key long (it's more technically secure).

We'd recommend to choose 2 year lifespan.

Finally type your name, email and comment for the key pair (this is optional, you can leave it blank). You will be asked to type a passphrase to encrypt your private key with.

NOTE: Don't forget your passphrase, you can loss your private key without passphrase.

After this please be patient, some time is required to generate a key pair.

Import public key

To import someone's else public key all you need is type in terminal gpg –import <filename of the public key>

Commit your own public key

To publish your public key you need to provide it first. To get a file with your own public key, just type the following in terminal: gpg –export –armor 'yourname@example.com' > yourname.asc

Sign the data

Data encryption

documentation/gnupg-intro.1570064861.txt.gz · Last modified: by derek

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