===== Introduction To Checksums And Hashing 101 =====
  * **Speaker**: Larry Hastings  
  * **Room**: HC 108  
  * **Time**: Sun 11:20 am – 11:50 am  

  * **Format**: Lecture (30 Min + Q&A)  
  * **Difficulty**: Introductory  
  * **Track**: Development & Dev Tools  
  * **Presenter Location**: In-person  
  * **Experience**: umpteenth time speaking  
  * **At**: anywhere  

==== Description: ====  
What are checksums? What’s a hash? And why are they everywhere?  
If you use a computer, you rely on checksums constantly — from data storage and retrieval to digital security. This session introduces the fundamentals of checksums and hashing in a friendly, accessible way.

Larry will explain what these mechanisms are, how they work at a high level, and the many ways they’re used in modern computing. The talk includes only a tiny bit of math and maybe some very simple programming, making it perfect for curious minds who want to understand the invisible tools that keep our digital world running.

**Target Audience:**  
  * Technically‑minded curious folks