Since Ubuntu 8.10 “Intrepid Ibex” release date is coming near (just 3 days) and lot of people will be downloading the ISO files to install Ubuntu on their machines. 
But how to check if the ISO file is not corrupted and it really works.
Why it is important to check if ISO file is working? Because, if it is not, then:
  • you will waste at least one CD on which you burn the image.
  • you might face lots of issues while installing Ubuntu.
  • you might even corrupt your existing installation of Windows if you are just trying.
And this 2 minute check will save you from lots of nuisances later.
How to check if ISO file works?
On Linux:
  1. Lets assume, you downloaded the ISO file on your desktop.
  2. Open terminal and do as shown:
    $ cd ~/Desktop
    $ md5sum filename.iso
  3. Wait for some time, the terminal will return a key which is 33 character long.  Match it with the MD5SUM key mentioned where you downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.  (See line #3 in above picture)
  4. If it matches.  You have the valid and working ISO file.  Go ahead and prepare for installing Ubuntu.
  5. Else, there is some problem with the download.  May be try downloading it again.
On Windows: 

If you are trying Ubuntu for the first time, then it is obvious you will be using Windows at that time.  To check on Windows, download this small utility and follow the prompts to check the MD5SUM of ISO file.
Hope you guys enjoy Ubuntu, the way I enjoy.  And this small tip helped you a little bit.

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