Two new strong encryption options for LinuxPPC version of Netscape
Oct 20th, 00:24 UTC
Software updates browser with 128-bit crypto; U.S. and international solutions available
MADISON, Wisc. -- October 19, 1999 -- In a rare combination of events, LinuxPPC Inc. and Fortify Inc. both released software that strengthens the encryption technology in the LinuxPPC version of Netscape Communicator. Between the two releases, LinuxPPC worldwide users can enjoy strong 128-bit encryption in their Netscape browser.
The two updates differ widely in their form and availability. LinuxPPC's update is in the form of an entirely new version of Netscape that has 128-bit encryption built in. However, it is only available for download inside the U.S. and Canada. Fortify's software upgrades a user's existing browser, and is available to everyone outside (and inside) the U.S.
The version of Netscape Communicator that is shipped in the LinuxPPC distribution and downloadable from the company FTP server contains a weaker 40-bit encryption scheme. Since it contains the weaker 40-bit encryption, it is considered an export-grade browser. United States government restrictions on the export of software containing strong cryptology, forcing companies to weaken their products in order to export them. Hence the "weak" 40-bit enabled version of Netscape.
Residents of the U.S. and Canada who are eligible to use products containing strong encryption can download Netscape Communicator with 128-bit encryption from http://www.linuxppc.com/netscape-us/.
LinuxPPC users who live in other countries or who are not legal residents of the U.S. or Canada can download and install a new version of Fortify for Netscape, which has been updated for LinuxPPC 1999. Fortify boosts Netscape's crypto to 128-bits, and adds 1024-bit RSA signature key capability, plus the ability to send and receive e-mail messages using strong 128-bit encryption with the S/MIME protocol. Information about the software and its use can be found at .
Related Sites:
Netscape 128-bit U.S. version: http://www.linuxppc.com/netscape-us/
Fortify for Netscape web site: http://www.fortify.net/
About LinuxPPC Inc.
LinuxPPC Inc., headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, develops and distributes LinuxPPC 1999 Q3, the most popular and prominent Linux distribution for PowerPC computers. The company dealt a body blow to Windows 2000 in the recent LinuxPPC Security Challenge, in which a Power Mac 9500 running LinuxPPC bested a Pentium III server running Windows 2000.
The company sponsors development of Linux on PowerPC through major hardware donations to Linux developers and development groups. The company recently assisted IBM in the testing and development of IBM's upcoming PowerPC logic board design, the PowerPC Open Platform. LinuxPPC Inc. is a member of Linux International and the Motorola Computer Group Partner Program.
Contact Information:
LinuxPPC Inc.
414-427-8555
http://www.linuxppc.com/
PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation and is used under license therefrom. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Apple, iMac, Mac, PowerBook, and Power Mac are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
(Submitted by Jason Haas of LinuxPPC Inc.)
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