Purpose
Cryptography is the use of codes to convert data so that only a specific recipient will be able to read it, using a key.
Microsoft cryptographic technologies include CryptoAPI 2.0, Cryptographic Service Providers (CSP), CryptoAPI Tools, CAPICOM, WinTrust, issuing and managing certificates, and developing customizable public key infrastructures. Certificate and smart card enrollment, certificate management, and custom module development are also described.
Developer Audience
CryptoAPI is intended for use by developers of applications based on the Microsoft Windows Server and Microsoft Windows operating systems that will enable users to create and exchange documents and other data in a secure environment, especially over nonsecure media such as the Internet. Developers should be familiar with the C and C++ programming languages and the Windows programming environment. Although not required, an understanding of cryptography or security-related subjects is advised.
CAPICOM is intended for use by developers who are creating applications using the Microsoft Visual Basic development system, the Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScript) programming language, or the C++ programming language.
Run-Time Requirements
For information about run-time requirements for a particular programming element, see the Requirements section of the reference page for that element.
CAPICOM 2.0 requires one of the following operating systems and versions:
- Windows Server 2003
- Windows XP
- Windows 2000
CAPICOM 1.0 is supported by the same operating systems and versions.
CAPICOM is available as a redistributable file that can be downloaded from Platform SDK Redistributable: CAPICOM.
Certificate Services requires the following versions of these operating systems:
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows Server 2003
- Windows 2000 Server
In This Section
| Topic | Description | About Cryptography | Key cryptography concepts and a high-level view of Microsoft cryptography technologies. |
Using Cryptography | Cryptography processes, procedures, and extended samples of C and Visual Basic programs using CryptoAPI functions and CAPICOM objects. |
Cryptography Reference | Detailed descriptions of the Microsoft cryptography functions, interfaces, objects, structures, and other programming elements. Includes reference descriptions of the API for working with digital certificates. |
Additional Resources
| Search Cryptography | Enables you to search the Cryptography documentation on MSDN. The search results are narrowed to only include topics in the Cryptography documentation. |
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Build date: 7/24/2008