was searching the web for pseudo random number generators, and came across this link. They claim to generate a true random number.
was searching the web for pseudo random number generators, and came across this link. They claim to generate a true random number.
PRNG
Why not use /dev/urandom? It’s a decent pseudo-RNG.
Re: PRNG
If I am not wrong urandom picks up entropy from various system variables like key strokes etc. Well I do trust that pone, but again its system based..so can never be a *truly* random number
Re: PRNG
Wrong! Your keystrokes/mouse movements etc are not system based. That would be user based entropy. I doubt if anyone (ordinary cracker) can detect those non-deterministic patterns. That said, there are no true RNGs. At least, that what experts say. I plead ignorance 😉
Since you mentioned pseudo-RNG, I assumed that you were not looking for a true RNG. I guess /dev/random would be a better option than /dev/urandom for your app. If you’re using a system without either of those, Samba provides a simple (and deterministic) RNG. Check it out — lib/genrand.c.
Re: PRNG
the key stroke thingy is good one I agree.
If you have used gpg to create keys, then it will ask you to keep typing for the entropy. However, I practically always have to type many times before it gets enough entropy ( kinda strain on your fingers 😉