Receiving a ZixMail message is simple: You get a regular e-mail message in which there is a link to a secure (SSL) web page. From there, if you've never used ZixMail before, you set up a key for yourself by adding your e-mail address and a password to the database. (Any e-mail address will do, but be aware that your "key" will be linked to that particular e-mail address from now on — you can't use another e-mail address for sending or receiving ZixMail without going

Jim Choate <ravage@ssz.com> pointed out: through this setup again.)

(Get this:)

ZixIt quietly generates a key for you and stores it on their server for future use.

(Both halves? Zap. End program.)

Now you can go read and respond to the encrypted e-mail from your friend or colleague at the ZixMail web site. That e-mail can be responded to, back and forth, for an unlimited period of time — you cannot, however, generate a new piece of e-mail (unrelated, to another person) unless you download the software and run it yourself.