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checksums

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A checksum (or hash) is a datum computed from digital data to verify the integrity of that data. Typically you use a program to compute the checksum of a file. Then after this file has been transmitted to some other location the same checksum algorithm is used to compute the checksum there. If the two checksums are the same, it is unlikely that the data has been changed during transmission.

You can use MD5 or SHA1 checksums to verify the files you submit via PATS in this way. We also use it to enable you to hand in a submission late, while you can prove that is has been genearted before the deadline. For this you simply have to send the checksum to use before the submission dealdine. Read the Submission Guide for details.

Below you find instructions of how to generate MD5 and SHA1 checksums.

Creating MD5 Checksums

It is usually sufficient to use MD5 checksums and by default we expect you to submit an MD5 checksum. It looks something like this:

  5be5e4773e92dfb5b2add9b8d562c352

Please make sure you submit the hexadecimal MD5 sum.

In order to generate such a checksum you may use the following MD5 checksum generators:

Creating SHA1 Checksums

Alterantively you can also use SHA1 checksums. A SHA1 checksum looks something like this:

  74a0967932b807230873c3def8ffbcfe32d9b0f2

In order to genrate such a checksum you may use the following SHA1 checkusm generators:

Other Checksums

In exceptional circumstances alternative checksums that are at least as reliable as an MD5 checksum may be acceptable (e.g. GNU-PG/PGP file signatures). But please contact Frank Langbein early if you intend to use one of these checksum mechanisms.

checksums.1317814976.txt.gz · Last modified: 2011/10/05 12:42 by scmfcl