What is the best version of PGP?

originally written by Philip Zimmerman in 1991, PGP freeware has gone through many generations, changed his hands more than once and his functions added and then removed to be reserved for paid versions. There are personal philosophies about which version of freeware pgp is the best and why. When downloading the software, you should check that a digital signature is included to verify authenticity.

PGP version 2.6.2 (DOS/MacOS command line) Freeware:

Purists say the PGP PGP version is safest. There are third -party graphics interfaces (GUI) that help automate the process to some extent, even if third -party software can present security errors. Therefore, most people attracted to version 2.6.2 are most likely not using GUI. up: Very safe, Very Sprogram Mall. Do not dibb: requires manual use of the command line. Availability: Archive Web Pagey.

In 1996, Zimmerman connected with Viacrypt, which then became PGP Incorporated. Followed by versions compatible with Windows 4x and 5X, but other versions of Watermark came after Zimmerman sold PGP in 1997 Network Associates, Incorporated (NAI). For other clients such as Pegasus Mail or Bat !, FREE plugs were available from third parties. This version also contained a plugin of virtual private networks (VPN). However, Nais 6.5.8 was pre-XP and is no longer used.

After version 6.5.8, NAI decided to interrupt the source code. Zimmermann, who was a consultant for Nai, left his job above disagreements. Version 7.x wasa -opular and PGP disappeared. During this period, the unprovered IMAD Faiad programmer took on himself to use the source code from different editions 6.x to further develop the software himself. The result was a successful, albeit controversial version of "6.5.8 CKT".

Version 6.5.8 CKT Freeware (Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP) from IMAD FAIAD:

Faiad wrote several sets V6.5.8, but building 08 is the most popular. Fixed a digital signature error, made a version compatible with the XP version, and added back pgp disk -PGP device for volume encryption, which were included in earlier versions 6.x. He also added several other improvements, including the ability to use very large keys. "CKT" means "Cyber ​​Knights Templar" and identifies this version of PGP as separate from Nai.

After Nai sold PGP rights PGP Corporation in 2002, Faiad was asked to stop development. Zimmermann's determination to provide the PGP source code was for security reasons, not to bring a "competition" to official versions. The current source code is now issued under these express conditions.

This means that version 6.5.8 CKT remains widely used and many of them prefer the official version for added improvements. upside: xP-compatible, with e-mail plug-ins included for Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora and Netscape; Included VPN plug-in with solid digital signing error; The PGP disk includes, along with other improved features, including support for very large keys. The disadvantage: Some people believe it is a non -acting unofficial version. Availability: Archive website.

Currently, Zimmermann is an advisor to PGP Corporation. This brings us to the current versions, starting with versions 8.x - the first official edition with Windows XP compatibility.

version 8.1 (all Windows and MacOS) from PGP Corp.:

The program looks very similar to updated 6.5.8, but native e-mail plugins are not functional without purchasing a license and not part of the plug-in VPN. The PGP disk has been replaced by the entire PGP disk, which is only available in license versions. FREE PLUG-INTAGE PLOG-IS can be used with e-mail clients outside MicrosofT and there are freeware alternatives to PGP disk for encryption of bundles and drives. Version 8.1 seems to be the most popular freeware version since mid -2005. Do not end up: native e-mail plugins are no longer free, although free third-party sockets can be found for virtually all popular (non-microsoft) e-mail clients. Availability: Unofficial Archive Website.

The latest version of "freeware" at the time of writing is PGP Personal Desktop 9.x trial version . The most remarkable change is the transition to transparent e-mail proxy and replaces e-mail plugins. Proxy scans postal ports for incoming or outgoing mail and encryption/decrypts without user intervention. This fully automated feature works for free for 30 days, then the program returns to the equivalent of version 8.1 if the license is not purchased.

version 9.x is much more bulky downloads thatIt weighs more than 20 MB, unlike an approximate 7 MB to download 8.1. Despite its improved desktop interface, it does not seem to gain popularity among freeware PGP enthusiasts above the watermark version 8.1.