First of all, you need to decide which version of PGP you want. This can get a little complicated, but I recommend you initially get PGP 6.5.8ckt08, the last CKT release version. Be aware that this is not the newest PGP version around, but there are some reasons for preferring this version; it is the version I continue to use. You can download this at the Zedz FTP site. (As you become more familiar with PGP, you may choose a different version. Be sure you do some reading and understand the nature of the various versions before doing so!)
Once you have downloaded the PGP installation program, you need to run it to install PGP. Just use the default installation.
Next thing you need to do is generate keys. You need to generate at least one set of keys. Use DH/DSS type keys, and specify 4096 bit DH key size and 1024 bit DSS key size. You will be asked for a passphrase. Choose this carefully. It should consist of several words, and it should be something that you can remember, but that will not be associated with you by others. You will need this key later, so be certain that you either remember it or write it down in a secure place. Never give this passphrase to anyone!
When you have generated your keys, you need to send your public keys to people with whom you wish to communicate. To do this, click the PGP icon in the system tray, choose "PGPkeys", highlight your own key set, click "Keys" / "Export" and choose a filename to send your exported key to. Now you can copy this file into a mail message and send it to your friends. You will also need to ask them to send you their public keys. When you receive keys in a mail message, highlight the entire key text including the "Begin" and "End" lines and Copy the selected text to the Clipboard (usually [Ctrl-C]). Then click the PGP icon and choose "Clipboard" / "Decrypt and Verify". This will add the key to your public keyring. When this has been done, you will be ready to start communicating securely.
To send an encrypted message, first compose the message normally in either a text editor or your mail program. When the message is complete, select the entire message body and cut it [Ctrl-X] to the clipboard. Click the PGP icon, click "Clipboard" / "Encrypt and Sign". The Key Selection Dialog window pops up. Double click the key for the person to whom your wish to send the message and click "OK". Now you will be prompted for your passphrase. Enter the same passphrase you used when you created your keys and click "OK". PGP will work for 2 or 3 seconds, and the PGP window disappears. Your encrypted message is now in the clipboard. Paste it back into your mail program's message window [Ctrl-V] and send it.
When you receive an encrypted message, the decryption process is similar to the encryption process. Highlight the encrypted message, including the "Begin..." and "End..." lines and Copy [Ctrl-C] it to the clipboard. Click the PGP icon, click "Clipboard" / "Decrypt and Verify". You will be prompted for your passphrase. Enter the same passphrase you used when you created your keys and click "OK". PGP will work for 2 or 3 seconds, and the PGP window disappears. Your decrypted message will now be displayed.
The above instructions cover the basic operations required to send and receive encrypted e-mail using PGP. All instructions given specifically apply to versions 6.5.1 and 6.5.2. Other versions may vary slightly in the menu structure, but the same operations will be performed. Note that with recent versions of PGP, there are other ways to do the same thing. I have presented instructions that are compatible with both newer and older versions. Although PGP has other capabilities and options, encryption and decryption of e-mail is the primary usage of PGP for most people. And if you know how to use PGP with e-mail, you can easily learn to use it for other purposes should you have reason to do so.
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