Word Of The Day is a new daily feature for whitenoise by modestmouse, highlighting tech-related terms you may or may not have heard of before.
Todays word: Checksum |ˈ ch ekˌsəm| noun
Definition: A checksum is a value used to verify the integrity of a file or a data transfer. In other words, it is a sum that checks the validity of data. checksums are typically used to compare two sets of data to make sure they are the same. Some common applications include verifying a disk image or checking the integrity of a downloaded file. If the checksums don't match those of the original files, the data may have been altered or corrupted.
A checksum can be computed in many different ways, using different algorithms. For example, a basic checksum may simply be the number of bytes in a file. However, this type of checksum is not very reliable since two or more bytes could be switched around, causing the data to be different, though the checksum would be the same. Therefore, more advanced checksum algorithms are typically used to verify data. These include cyclic redundancy check (CRC) algorithms and cryptographic hash functions.
It is rare that you will need to use a checksum to verify data, since many programs perform this type of data verification automatically. However, some file archives or disk images may include a checksum that you can use to check the data's integrity. While it is not always necessary to verify data, it can be a useful means for checking large amounts of data at once. For example, after burning a disc, it is much easier to verify that the checksums of the original data and the disc match, rather than checking every folder and file on the disc.
Both Mac and Windows include free programs that can be used to generate and verify checksums. Mac users can use the built-in Apple Disk Utility and Windows users can use the File checksum Integrity Verifier (FCIV).
Example: WPA replaces the broken WEP system with the interim 802. 11i work, including a robust new key (TKIP), appropriate packet integrity (Michael or MIC, in which the checksum is an integrity check and in the encrypted payload), and adds 802. 1x support for network authentication, as well as the consumer pre-shared secret option.
I think Giz should do a yes or no poll on if the people of giz do or do not want this healthcare bill. Since it's going on right now. Kind of a big deal and all the flame wars would make me less bored.
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It's no surprise given the current hype level, but there are no less than three 3D programming announcements making the rounds today. Two of the three deal with—surprise!—sporting events.
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"The Gothic Cathedral Play Set is designed to be modular. Print as few or as many parts as you want. Then assemble them into a configuration of your choosing."
Remember when, just the other day, we were talking about the future of storage, and how quantum mechanics is on the pipe dream, it's totally magic list for now? Yeah. Me too. Thing is, shit just got real: Updated.More »
FoxTrot uses the geekiest of comic book humor to rake the iPad and its lack of flash over the coals. Funny because it's true! Pretty brilliant Sunday strip, Mr. Amend, just be wary of visitors from Cupertino. [Foxtrot]
I could have sworn I killed this thing while playing Mass Effect 2 the other day, but the designer says this is actually a benevolent, firefighting automaton called Firegard that's meant to aid firemen in the field, not kill them.
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I realize comparisons to another "Pads" are unfair, especially given the Tablet Wars I just invented by saying Tablet Wars haven't even officially started, but surely the WePad's name is some kind of backhanded compliment/joke from its creators at Neofonie?
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I've probably seen Ben Folds live a dozen times. And except for the time where he actually got so pissed at people yelling "Freebird!" that he actually played the whole thing, I've never once been bored.
![Click here to read Ben Folds Takes Chatroulette on Stage with "Ode to Merton"](http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/4/2010/03/160x120_lfamtmy5rew.jpg "Click here to read Ben Folds Takes Chatroulette on Stage with "Ode to Merton"")
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