Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 09:41:27 +0200 From: Mark Murray <mark@grondar.za> To: zhihuizhang <bf20761@binghamton.edu> Cc: hackers <freebsd-hackers@FreeBSD.ORG> Subject: Re: random number and primitive polynomial Message-ID: <199811290741.JAA15510@greenpeace.grondar.za> In-Reply-To: Your message of " Sat, 28 Nov 1998 22:21:56 EST." <Pine.SOL.L3.93.981128221547.22947A-100000@bingsun2> References: <Pine.SOL.L3.93.981128221547.22947A-100000@bingsun2>
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zhihuizhang wrote: > Hi, I am now interested in how a truly random number is generated. The > source code is contained in file random_machdep.c. Can anyone tell me > where I can find good reference on how the primitive polynomial is related > to random number generation (i.e., its properties and role in a random > number generator). Dig through the RFC's; there is one that describes RNGs quite well (Its name is obvious enough). The polynomial is used to "stir" the "entropy pool", to make sure that the numbers have a decent probability spectrum. M -- Mark Murray Join the anti-SPAM movement: http://www.cauce.org To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-hackers" in the body of the message
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