Re: [SLUG] md5sum

From: Robert Foxworth (rfoxwor1@tampabay.rr.com)
Date: Tue Jan 18 2005 - 07:55:27 EST


> > How do I use md5sum to check a download?

>
> This all assumes you're already running *nix, or at least have cygwin
> installed on Windows. If you're trying to do this on Windows it can
> (and should) still be done, but will require a Windows md5sum checker,
> which afaik, doesn't just come with.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Greg

I have been running "md5sum" at the cmd prompt on a Win XP box
(which happens to be where my CD-RW is installed) and it is
already there. Did not have to install anything.

Which brings up a question. The md5sum value will be different
for files that are different by even one byte, but how much of a
variation in the md5sum value itself will occur for such a small
difference in the files themselves. In other words, can you tell
immediately (a big difference) when comparing the two sums,
or will it be a much more subtle difference? (too lazy to actually
try and test it. Guess I could tar up some big files, add a text file,
then edit the file to change one letter and tar it again, and compare.)

It's on my "B" list ...

- Bob

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