ElGamal: key length vs performance

[John W. Moore III]

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feitao wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> As I understand, by default, GunPG uses ElGamal to encrypt/decrypt files,
> and the recommended key length is 1024 bit. Is there any information on how
> encryption/decryption time changes with the key length? Thanks a lot,

FWIW, the larger the size of the Key being used the "longer" the time
required.  However, unless you're using a Processor older than Pentium
III I doubt that it would be obvious to the User.  Of course, the
difference between using a 1024 Key and an 8192 Key *would* be noticeable.

I am not quite certain where you understand ElGamal is the 'Default'
since it is possible to generate an RSA encryption Key and many folks do.

JOHN :-\
Timestamp: Saturday 01 Apr 2006, 16:09  --500 (Eastern Standard Time)
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