File fingerprints / signatures

[Chris <cl@escape.ca>]

Hi everyone,

This isn't specific to OBSD, but I know of no better place to ask.

I'm looking to learn about signing/verifying file contents with some type 
of encryption (or encryption hash?) but I really know nothing about this.

I don't really know where to look for this type of information, what terms 
and nomenclature I should be using or even exactly what I'm looking 
for.  If someone could point me towards some man pages, some web pages or 
anything that would set me on the right path, I'd be most thankful.

Thanks in advance,

Chris