Algorithms - IT exam tomorrow!

Hey guys, can anyone explain the term "Algorithms" and where they'd be found if this is the case?

 

A procedure consisting of a sequence of algebraic formulas and/or logical steps to calculate or determine a given task.

It has nothing to do with a former U.S. Presidential candidate and his attempts at being in a musical group.

 

So I presume it's linked with batch processing?

 

Not necessarily...

an algorithm can be used to describe a function in generic steps. Its sort of used a lot when teaching computer programming at a generic language level - the instructions described are probably not directly mappable to any language but can be easily ported to fit a language.
An example of an algorithm to describe finding the product of two numbers would be something like;
GET NUMBER A
GET NUMBER B
NUMBER C = A * B

Its all very generalised and certainly not limited to the realm of computer programming.
You can have algorithms to make a cup of tea
GET KETTLE
FILL KETTLE WITH WATER
SWITCH ON KETTLE... etc. you get the idea.

 

So a series of instructions basically?

 

Probably too late but google link.

http://www.google.com/search?num=20&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&as_qdr=all&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=algorithms&spell=1

Also depends on how you spell it. It sometimes has a "Y" and another "I" in it. Bazza

 

Hash Algorithms? Username and Password hashed with DES to provide Authentication?