openSUSE-Dokumentation Chapter 9. Encryption with KGpg / 9.5. The Key Server Dialog
	9.4. Importing Keys		9.6. Text and File Encryption

The Key Server Dialog

Several Internet-based key servers offer the public keys of many users. To engage in encrypted communication with a large number of users, use these servers to distribute your public key. For this purpose, export your public key to one of these servers. Similarly, KGpg enables you to search one of these servers for the keys of certain people and import their public keys from the server. Open the key server dialog with File+Key Server Dialog.

Importing a Key from a Key Server

By means of the Import tab in the key server dialog, import public keys from one of the Internet-based key servers. Select one of the preconfigured key servers and enter a search string (e-mail address of the communication partner) or the ID of the key to find. When you click Search, your system connects to the Internet and searches the specified key server for a key that matches your specifications. Refer to Figure 9.3.

Figure 9.3. Search Screen for Importing a Key

If your search on the key server is successful, a list of all retrieved server entries is displayed in a new window. Select the key to include in your key ring and click Import. See Figure 9.4. Confirm the following message with OK then exit the key server dialog with Close. The imported key then appears in the main overview of the key manager and is ready for use.

Figure 9.4. Hits and Import

Exporting Your Keys to a Key Server

To export your key to one of the freely accessible key servers on the Internet, select the Export tab in the key server dialog. Designate the target server and the key to export by means of two drop-down menus. Then start the export with Export.

Figure 9.5. Exporting a Key to a Key Server