Understanding “randomness”

Question

I can\'t get my head around this, which is more random?

rand()

OR:

rand() * rand()

I´m f

Answer 1

Use a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) that implements a primitive polynomial.

The result will be a sequence of 2^n pseudo-random numbers, ie none repeating in the sequence where n is the number of bits in the LFSR .... resulting in a uniform distribution.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_feedback_shift_register http://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/application_notes/xapp052.pdf

Use a "random" seed based on microsecs of your computer clock or maybe a subset of the md5 result on some continuously changing data in your file system.

For example, a 32-bit LFSR will generate 2^32 unique numbers in sequence (no 2 alike) starting with a given seed. The sequence will always be in the same order, but the starting point will be different (obviously) for a different seeds. So, if a possibly repeating sequence between seedings is not a problem, this might be a good choice.

I've used 128-bit LFSR's to generate random tests in hardware simulators using a seed which is the md5 results on continuously changing system data.