Thread: Random Number Generation

I vaguely remember reading an article in a slashdot newsletter about a new way to generate random numbers. The computer took input from some sort of ambient energy form within the computer (something like radio signals or electromagnetic fields or some such thing no one notices in small quantities). The article said that the numbers generated from this passed several tests or true randomness.

If I had more time, I might search for a link for y'all, but I have to get ready for work now. I know I read that article in a Slashdot newsletter within the last year. Maybe someone else can find information on it.

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The computer took input from some sort of ambient energy form within the computer
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I'd read a story, a while back, about an generator which read things like CPU temperature, fan speeds and other available values from the system and used these in the derivation process. It produced a pseudo-random sequence that was very significantly more random than the normal fast algorithm, but had not been judged to be totally random, (the shortcomings are obvious).

Originally posted by adrianxw
>>>
The computer took input from some sort of ambient energy form within the computer
<<<

I'd read a story, a while back, about an generator which read things like CPU temperature, fan speeds and other available values from the system and used these in the derivation process. It produced a pseudo-random sequence that was very significantly more random than the normal fast algorithm, but had not been judged to be totally random, (the shortcomings are obvious).

I've come across references to entropy pooling where the system uses (arguably) truly random input from the user, such as mouse movements or keypresses, in order to generate a 'system entropy pool'. This data can then be used as required to generate security/encryption keys or random numbers.

Actually, with the talk of the "olden days", it was common practice back then for systems requiring true random numbers, (lottery systems for example), to have either a "noise diode" or a radioactive isotope counter, i.e. physical devices, for generating random numbers.

>>> generate a 'system entropy pool'.

I can see that having at least some of the same shortcomings I alluded to before. Certain keys are used more than others, certain areas of the screen as well, (i.e. menus tend to be at the top).

However, I can well see that this would be an improvement over the current pseudo-random algorithms commonly used.