How to verify ISO images "Linux"

phaedruspress · 12 Jul 2018

I am hoping that this is appropriate to post this here and if not could someone kindly tell me where to go : ) to ask tis question? Years ago I created a live CD but I am now going to create a live bootable USB. Reading up on it it seems that it highly suggested to verify the iso even though I seem to be downloading it from the legit site:

https://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=254

On the how to verify page unfortunately it is mostly gibberish to me (sorry about that).

https://linuxmint.com/verify.php

I got as far as this:

To verify the integrity of your ISO image, generate its SHA256 sum and compare it to the one found in the sha256sum.txt file.In most Linux distributions the SHA256 sum can be generated by opening a terminal and running the following commands:

Where it says open a terminal does that mean I open up a win 10 command prompt and go to the folder where I have the three files? I know that the phrase (terminal) is used within the Linux OS but since I don't have it already installed how do I open up a terminal?

What I really need is a "for dummies" guide in plain "windowsspeak" on how to proceed with the verification method. Thanks so much.

SIW2 · 12 Jul 2018

SHA256 sum can be generated by opening a terminal and running the following commands:

That only applies if you are running Linux.

If you are running windows, there are lots of free 3rd party tools to check hashes.

Here is one GoHash-ENX86.zip

Or you can use Kai Liu's updated shell extension
Release v2.4.0 Â· gurnec/HashCheck Â· GitHub

You could also use powershell:

Code:

PS C:\> Get-FileHash C:\whatever.iso -Algorithm SHA256 | Format-List

256 is the default, you can specify something else e.g. -Algorithm SHA1 or -Algorithm MD5

If you are using 7zip, you can add hashcheck to your context menu:

How to verify ISO images "Linux"-2018-07-12_180429.jpg

phaedruspress · 12 Jul 2018

@SIW2
>256 is the default, you can specify something else e.g. -Algorithm SHA1 or -Algorithm MD5
Thanks. Do all three of those accomplish the same thing and which one of any would you recommend I use?

SIW2 · 12 Jul 2018

Just use the default.