How about a Lesson on GPG ?

I have started using G.P.G quite a lot just recently. So I thought to try my hand at writing a small guide on it's usage. Think of it as an oversimplified reference on how to get started on using GPG.

So What is it actually ?
"G.P.G" stands for GNU Privacy Guard, which is a tool that allows you to encrypt and sign your data and communications via utilizing the OpenPGP-Standard and comes equipped with a versatile Key-Management System if you have multiple OpenPGP-Keys. So please remember, PGP/OpenPGP is the encryption-technology/standard and GPG is the TOOL that USES OpenPGP

So What is it used for ?

Encrypting messages [As in the ACTUAL TEXT ITSELF]
Encrypting files and folders
Verifying the authenticity/integrity of files [Via signing the files]

Among other things...

The way it does it is via something called ASYMMETRIC-ENCRYPTION where you posses a pair of keys [AKA a"Key-Pair"], which are different components that complement each other. One is a PRIVATE-KEY [AKA a "SECRET-KEY"] that you NEVER share with anyone & the other is a PUBLIC-KEY that you CAN share with anyone.

INSTALLATION OF GNU-PRIVACY-GUARD

So now where do we start ? Oh wait, we'll start with ACTUALLY INSTALLING it in your system.
So on Linux; GPG is usually PRE-INSTALLED, although it may be potentially outdated. So use the update and then upgrade commands of your respective linux distributions. Normally GPG is a terminal programme, but if you want a GUI programme then give Kleopatra OR SeaHorse a try.

As fo windows; you can download GUI applications like GPG4Win OR GPGfrontend.

CHAPTERS	TOPICS
One	Generating you PGP-Keys via GnuPG
Two	Encryption and Decryption with GnuPG
Three	Signing and Verifying Files with GnuPG
Four	Learn to Exchange Your OpenPGP-Keys
Five	Managing Your OpenPGP-Keys with GnuPG/GPG
Six	Sub-Keys and "Web Of Trust" in GnuPG

Reminder; just like with all my guides, Linux is the priority [With BSD being ocassionally considered] NOT windows, although I will try my best. Also I will try to include all the shortcut-versions of the commands wherever possible to make your life easier ;-)