MD5 is a one-way algorithm as defined by the RFC1321 that can be used to verify the integrity of a file or filesystem by providing as 128bit digital signature.  This digital signature is like a fingerprint for a file or filesystem and will change dramatically even if a single byte changes.

This means they are excellent in checking the integrity of a file that you have downloaded of a mirror that provides the files equivalent MD5Checksum.  Continue reading →