HASH - Introduction

Hash is a neat little tool designed to make it easier to spot changes to files, either intentionally or by accident.  There are currently two versions available:

• LITE - A freeware version with restricted functionality;
• STD - A fully functional and upgraded version of the same program.  Providing additional features.

Hash uses FIPS compliant algorithms to process files and return condensed digests of specified files.  These digests, depending on the function used, return varying levels of 'finger-print' information about the file.  It is statistically very unlikely that any two files would produce the same 'finger-print' digest, plus it is almost impossible to modify a file (intentionally or by accident) and maintain the digest results to match the original.

Three common hash results are returned: MD5, SHA-1 and SHA-256.  Both the SHA hashes are to the relevant FIPS specifications for that hash.  In addition, other basic file information (creation, size, etc) are provided, making the 'finger-print' even stronger.

So why use Hash ?

Well, its most important use is to validate files, particularly those downloaded from the Internet.  When you download a file, how do you know if it has has been corrupted in the download process?  There are many checks that go on during a file transfer, but all too often, files still get cut-off before download completes.  Just 1 byte missing off the end can cause you serious problems.

Hash allows you to accurately and reliably confirm file authenticity.  It is a bit like a digital signature without having to have all the complex support programs and data files.  It is as unique as a 'finger-print', retinal scan or DNA 'finger-print'.  Making it an ideal and simple tool to verify files of any type.

All files download from the WizardBlue web site will specify their hash finger-print verify numbers, e.g.:
SHA-1:83A2CF1E88E1F59CF650F6A08398922E7C92C429

This indicates that the SHA-1 finger-print for this file is the long string of hexadecimal numbers shown.  Once you have download that file, feed it through Hash and the SHA-1 numbers should match exactly.  If it does not, then something is wrong with the file.  Maybe someone has given you a copy of a file and you want to make sure it is the original and latest, to save download time.  You can visit the web site, make a note of the SHA finger-print and compare it against the file you already have.  Just takes a few seconds.

So what exactly is a Hash ?

For more information, select 'In Detail' from the left menu pane.