

This brings us to current versions, starting with version 8.x - the first official release with Windows XP compatibility. Availability: Archival websites.Ĭurrently, Zimmermann is an adviser to PGP Corporation. Downside: Some people believe it unwise to support an unofficial version. Upside: XP-compatible, with email plug-ins included for Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora and Netscape VPN plug-in included, with fixed digital signing bug PGP Disk included along with other enhanced features including support for very large keys.

That said, version 6.5.8 CKT remains widely used and many prefer it to official versions for the enhancements Faiad added. Current source code is now released under these express conditions. Zimmermann's dedication to provide PGP source code was for security reasons, not to invite 'competition' to official versions. "CKT" stands for "Cyber Knights Templar" and identifies this version of PGP as separate from NAI's.Īfter NAI sold PGP rights to PGP Corporation in 2002, Faiad was asked to stop development. He also added several other enhancements including the ability to use very large keys. He fixed the digital signing bug, made the version XP-compatible and added back PGP Disk - the PGP utility for encrypting volumes that had been included in earlier 6.x versions. Version 6.5.8 CKT freeware (Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP) by Imad Faiad:įaiad wrote several builds of v6.5.8, but build 08 is most popular.

The result was the successful, albeit controversial, version "6.5.8 CKT." During this period, unaffiliated programmer Imad Faiad took it upon himself to use the source code from various 6.x releases to further develop the software on his own. Version 7.x was unpopular and PGP languished. Zimmermann, who had been a consultant for NAI, left their employ over the disagreement. However, NAIs 6.5.8 was pre-XP and is no longer widely used.Īfter version 6.5.8, NAI decided to discontinue the practice of releasing the source code. This version also included a Virtual Private Network ( VPN) plugin. For other clients like Pegasus Mail or Bat!, free plug-ins were available from third parties. Version 6.5.8 freeware (NAI) included native email plug-ins for Outlook, Outlook Express, Netscape and Eudora.
