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89

answers:

3

It appears they are both encryption algorithms that require public and private keys. Why would I pick one versus the other to provide encryption in my client server application?

+1  A: 

From Linux groups ; )

DSA is faster in signing, but slower in verifying. A DSA key of the same strength as RSA (1024 bits) generates a smaller signature. An RSA 512 bit key has been cracked, but only a 280 DSA key.

And see "What is better for GPG keys - RSA or DSA?" @ SuperUser : )

Hope it helps you

SDReyes
So does that mean if the amount of data to encrypt is large it will run faster using RSA?
WilliamKF
No, the other way around. DSA is faster in signing (which is mathematically more or less equal to encrypting), so if you have to encrypt a lot and decrypt often, DSA is faster.
Henri
Lots of data to encrypt at the client side but it is only decrypted once at the server, so does DSA still win?
WilliamKF
DSA does not encrypt. Repeat, DSA does not encrypt. Here's a quiz: What does the "S" in DSA mean?
GregS
+1  A: 

I think there's some good info here: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-security-4/which-is-better-rsa-or-dsa-public-key-12593/

But maybe you've already seen it (first result of google for searching "dsa rsa" :)) but it's still good.

Auxiliary
+2  A: 

Btw, you cannot encrypt with DSA, only sign. Although they are mathematically equivalent (more or less) you cannot use DSA in practice as an encryption scheme, only as a digital signature scheme.

Henri