macOS File Safety: How to Choose a Checksum Checker

Question:

Could you recommend a reliable checksum verification tool that is compatible with macOS systems?

Answer:

For macOS users, the good news is that the operating system comes with built-in commands that can be used to verify checksums without the need for additional software. The two primary commands are `shasum` and `openssl`.

  • Using `shasum`

    : This command is available on all modern versions of macOS and supports various algorithms, including SHA256, which is widely used for its robustness. To verify a file’s SHA256 checksum, you would open the Terminal and enter:

  • “`sh shasum -a 256 /path/to/file “` Replace `/path/to/file` with the actual file path. The Terminal will then display the checksum for you to compare.

  • Using `openssl`

    : Another command that comes pre-installed on macOS systems is `openssl`. This tool also allows you to compute SHA256 checksums with a simple command:

  • “`sh openssl sha256 /path/to/file “` Again, you’ll need to replace `/path/to/file` with the path to your file. The output will provide the checksum.

    Both of these methods are reliable and have been part of macOS for many years, ensuring that you can check the integrity of your files directly from the command line.

    Third-Party Applications

    If you prefer a graphical user interface (GUI) or additional features, there are third-party applications available for macOS that can perform checksum verifications. While I cannot recommend specific applications, searching for “checksum verifier for macOS” in your preferred search engine or the Mac App Store should yield several options. Always ensure that you download such tools from reputable sources to avoid compromising your system’s security.

    In conclusion, macOS users have both built-in and third-party options for verifying checksums. Whether you’re comfortable using the Terminal or prefer a GUI-based application, you can easily ensure the integrity of your files on a macOS system. Remember to always obtain the checksum from a trusted source to compare against the one generated by your chosen verification method..

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