what exactly is a checksum?

[CloudBusterr]

I see this word everywhere, and I know there's something on your ROM that's supposed to match that super long number, but what IS a checksum and what's the point of it?

 

[JerryScript]

A checksum is a value generated by the contents/size of the file in question. Change even one character, and you change the checksum. So these values are used to help you make certain you received the file you wanted, and that no portion of it was corrupted by downloading, compressing, decompressing, or file transfers.

 

[LeslieAnn]

Take a look here, I explain it a bit and how to use it.
http://forums.androidcentral.com/op...84-what-md5-how-use-verify-your-download.html