Now warns if you drop a folder or app onto its window. You can disable MD5 hashes for added speed, and it works a treat for testing whether two files are identical.
SHA256
Paste in the MD5 or SHA-256 hash for a download, drop the file onto its window, and DropSum will tell you if they match and the download is good.
Computing SHA-256 digests is a common and demanding task, particularly in security. A late Intel Mac is shown to be much slower at doing that than M-series Macs, and this considers why that might be.
Does software encryption (APFS Encrypted) result in significant overhead when using faster SSDs with a faster Apple silicon Mac? What about computing SHA256 digests?
Checksums and CRC can be very quick, but have significant drawbacks. SHA-256 hashes are best, although there are also error-correcting codes used in optical disks.
Most could live with slight delays when launching major apps. But when they’re as long as 30 seconds, and it’s an Apple silicon Mac, an explanation is required.
SHA-256 hashes are used in code signatures and security as a means of identification and verification. They bring a substantial computational burden, and can be very slow in some Intel Macs. Plus a new version of Dintch for integrity checks.
What are the performance differences between SHA-256 and 512? What throughput can you expect when checking hashes? And how to correct errors detected?
What are checksums, CRCs and hashes? What is required for a hash to be cryptographic, and how any of these affect your Mac? Some answers and explanations.
This can now be incorporated into your own scripts, to check the integrity of important files automatically.
The Eclectic Light Company 