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Using GPG on Mac OS X

1. There are two main components to using GPG: creating and managing your own private and public keys, and encrypting and decrypting files that you send and receive. We will start with GPG key creation and management.
   
2. Before we do any of that, however, we will need to download the necessary software to run GPG. The most recent release (which is compatible with OS X 10.2) is 1.2.1r2. It can be downloaded here: http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/macgpg/GnuPG1.2.1r2.dmg?download
   
3. After you download it, double click the GnuPG1.2.1r2.dmg file, a folder opens, double click on the package icon  and answer the questions, that will take care of installing PGP for you.
   
4. Open a Terminal window (Computer > Applications > Utilities > Terminal) and type the following: gpg - -gen-key
   
5. This is the command to create a key. When asked which type of key, select 1.
   
   
   
   
6. Next, it will ask you what key size you would like. Type 1024
   
   
   
   
7. Now it will ask you when the key should expire. Type 0
   
8. Is this correct type Y
   
   
   
   
9. Next it will ask you to enter information about yourself so you can be identified against your key. You will need to enter your name, email address and note (optional), then type O
   
   
   
   
10. Next it wants Passphrase to decrypt incoming files and admin changes. After this it will begin to generate your key.
    
11. When this is done, your key will have been created.
    
    
    
    
12. Once you are given a command prompt again, you can list the keys you have by entering the following: gpg - -list-keys
    
    
    
    
13. Exporting Keys: Now we need to export your public key for everbody else. At the command prompt type: gpg -a - -export doe@ohio.edu >/Users/doe/Desktop/DOEKEY.txt The file will appear on your desktop. This is your public key.
    
14. Importing Keys: When you receive someone's public key you have to add them to your key database in order to be able to use them. To import into the database the command looks like this gpg - -import [filename]