Summae

Summae, a free system utility designed by Josip Medved, is positioned in the file manager subcategory and is currently available in its latest version, 1.0. Supporting Windows 7, this lightweight tool offers a plethora of functionalities for users looking to calculate various hash algorithms, including CRC-16, CRC-32, MD-5, RIPE-160, and SHA-1, among others.

The program, which can be easily added to the context menu with SHA-1 added by default, stands out due to its dual interface. Summae can be operated through both a standard graphical interface and a command-line interface, catering to a wide range of user preferences and needs. For instance, users can execute the program using Summae.exe or SummaeJCL3.exe.

One of the key highlights of Summae is its efficient handling of multiple hashing methods. If no specific hashing algorithm is specified, the tool defaults to SHA-1. However, when multiple methods are selected, all calculations are serialized into one thread, ensuring disk access occurs only once regardless of the number of algorithms chosen. This characteristic not only saves time but also optimizes the software’s performance.

As a freeware utility, Summae is a cost-effective solution for anyone needing a reliable file manager to conduct hash calculations. Its compatibility with Windows 7 and the straightforward download process make it accessible to a broad audience.

Pros:

• Supports multiple hash algorithms including CRC-16, CRC-32, MD-5, RIPE-160, and SHA-1.
• Flexible operation options with both GUI and command-line interfaces.
• Efficient calculation by serializing multiple methods in one thread.
• Freeware license, making it a cost-effective solution.
• Easy integration into the context menu.

Cons:

• Limited to Windows 7 as the supported OS.
• Might not appeal to users needing GUI-specific operations exclusively.

You may want to check out more software, such as FileTouch, Stellar Phoenix Mailbox Professional or S.M.A.R.T. Disk Monitor, which might be similar to Summae.