PGPfreeware for Windows

By PGP
Free
User Rating

Used PGPfreeware for Windows?

Developer’s Description

By PGP

Protect your email from unauthorized viewing.

PGPfreeware builds on the heritage of PGP, which was originally released as freeware and today has millions of users worldwide. This new program is designed for individuals and is for noncommercial use only. Features include PGPtray, a Clipboard encryption system that is accessible from the system tray; seamless integration with Qualcomm's Eudora email plug-in for Microsoft Outlook/Exchange; a Windows Explorer context menu for direct access to all PGP functions; secure file wiping; and recipient groups for easy encryption to multiple recipients.

PGPfreeware for Windows

By PGP
Free
User Rating

Used PGPfreeware for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: August 28, 2000

Latest update: April 26, 2011

Version: 6.5.8

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows 10
Windows 2000
Windows NT

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 561,143

Downloads Last Week: 2

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Last Updated

User Reviews

2.9/5

195 User Votes

Old - but still works good (please read)
erikhzzzApril 17, 2016
Pros
This old application still runs good today in Windows 7. The core functionality - creating/managing encryption keys and encrypting/decrypting text - still works good. But the networking security components and e-mail application plugins should not be installed (they won't be compatible and will probably crash).
Cons
PGP was bought out by Symantec. PGP Freeware is no longer supported (it's pretty much abandonware at this point). Compatibility with future operating systems is uncertain.
Summary
The program gives an error about the memory locking driver not working. Well, of course - it's designed for Windows 95/98/2000 ! This is not a big deal - and it doesn't break the program. Nor does it make it unsecure to use (it's really just an unnecessary layer of security that meant something years ago). The core functionality of this program still works good. If you need a good, proven way to securely encrypt/decrypt messages, this is still a great tool to do it. You can digitally sign messages as well.
I'll tell you why everyone dosent use it.
dualjApril 26, 2013
Pros
Its free for older OS.
Cons
You will probably get this error: "PGP memory locking facility is not functioning correctly". Meaning yes there is a security hole in your freshly downloaded security program. Symantec bought up the rights so they own a monopoly on this sort of program. Oh and they think they are throwing us a bone by keeping this one free but they don't support the free version.
Summary
You are screwed. Be prepared to pay for this sort of program.
Why doen't everyone use it?
gcasanovaMarch 5, 2005
Pros
Most of internet users are very concerned about security. Many have parted from Internet Explorer because of their "security breaches", yet most of the people send mails without any kind of encryption. That, I don't understand. <p>I think mails should be used with some kind of encryption and PGP is a great security tool. Free or paid, both are very good and should be a common practice for everyone.
Cons
Not very easy to understand how to use it. Once understood you can't live without it.
Summary
Techi Review
January 20, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
I have tried many encryption programs; this is by far the best. PGP offer's up to 4096/1024 bit grade encryption. That's considered very strong! For anyone who thinks the government can crack that... Think again! They have been trying to crack a small 48 bit blowfish encrypted file for the past year... That small algorithm alone took the entire year, and thousands of Computers to crack. That means it takes a key 4096 bits in length to break the message. That decryption key can be ANY combination that is mathematically possible with 4096 bits. Try figuring out what this equation would equal; 2^4906, because that is how many combinations there are for a 4096 bit key. A 128 bit key has 309 billion trillion possibilities! I can't find any calculators that can figure out 2^4906... Keep in mind 2^4096 doesn't equal 4096^2! Some calculators will say "Infinite" when given the equation 2^4096! Most just say error because that number is too large for it to even comprehend!
Give Me A Break!
alexcarlsonJune 9, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
Do you people really think that this program would be availible to the public if the gov didn't have a way cracking it?Think again dumies.
The best. Anti-Guberment Strenght Encryption
sixitApril 20, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
I've been using PGP for years. Yes, it isn't as simple as many programs. Yes, you really do need to RTFM at least once. Yes, this is the "real deal" in encryption. Yes, the folks that give this program a thumbs-down aren't intelligent enough to use it or are too lazy to take a couple of hours to get to know the program. Yes, there is excellent unofficial support for novices and beginners freely available. Just "google" it. Remember, it is no one else's business what is contained in your email and your computer... not even the Department of Homeland Security.
Does everything you need to PGP encrypt and decrypt
February 23, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
I had a simple need: 1. Generate and manage PGP keys 2. Send and receive PGP encrypted e-mails. This freeware application lets you do just that with any e-mail client, thanks to a clever system tray icon that operates on the the current editing window.
Not free. Keep searching....
February 9, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This product is not free. Don't waste your time installing it and getting it to work unless you intend to BUY it. If you want free encryption, search on this site for SecExMail. It really is free and works well. I installed PGP and then every time I tried to do anything, I got the message that I had to buy a license to complete that function. I tried to figure out exactly what was free about it and came to the conclusion that slowing down your computer was free. Everything else you had to pay for. My next try was SecExMail and that is what I use. Hope I save somebody else the trouble.
PGP Corp Invades Privacy
January 23, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
Nobody seems to notice that downloading this freeware requires the user to give PGP Corp the right to gather data about usage and the user -- or any other data they can extract from you. So, a program once intended to protect privacy is now used to invade privacy.
Impressive, and Free!
December 17, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
I had my reservations about this software after reading some of the other reviews. I also was thinking I would have to buy the registered version to benefit fully. I'm glad I kicked the tires of this application for a couple of hours, because it works great as is! I highly recommend this software.