#1 Get the pieces

Before starting, you'll need Thunderbird or a similar desktop email program installed on your computer. Email programs are another way to access the same email accounts you can access in a browser (like GMail), but provide extra features.

If you are already have one of these, you can skip to Step 1.b.

Step 1.A: Install Wizard

Step 1.a Set your email program up with your email account (if it isn't already)

Open your email program and follow the wizard that sets it up with your email account.

Troubleshooting

What's a wizard?
A wizard is a series of windows that pop up to make it easy to get something done on a computer, like installing a program. You click through it, selecting options as you go.
My email program can't find my account or isn't downloading my mail?
Before Googling, we recommend you start by asking other people who use your email system, to figure out the correct settings.

Step 1.bInstall GnuPG

Download GPG Suite, a software package that includes GnuPG. Install it, clicking through the installation wizard with all the default settings. If it opens any windows after installation, you can close them.

Step 1.c Install the Enigmail plugin for your email program

In your email program's menu, select Add-ons (it may be in the Tools section). Make sure Extensions is selected on the left. Do you see Enigmail? if so, skip this step.

If not, search "Enigmail" with the search bar in the upper right. You can take it from here. Restart your email program when you're done.

Troubleshooting

I can't find the menu.
In many new email programs, the main menu is represented by an image of three stacked horizontal bars.

Switch to GNU/Linux

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