Re: Random numbers

>     It has lately been discussed different ways to construct pure
> random number generators by means of radiactive decay. I must admit
> that this is a very good way to produce such numbers, but for a
> number of reasons it is impractical to use such a device. (High
> radiation levels are needed too produce a significant amount of data.)
> 

It would seem to me that someone somewhere should produce a "random
number server" available via a well-known internet port number. Some
natural phenomenon not readily available to all could be used to generate
such numbers and one could just connect and ask for a number. It would be
interesting to try to devise means by which interception or sequencing
could be prevented.

david

> It would seem to me that someone somewhere should produce a "random
> number server" available via a well-known internet port number. Some
> natural phenomenon not readily available to all could be used to generate
> such numbers and one could just connect and ask for a number. It would be

I would not trust someone to generate random numbers for me.  For all
you know, they may be recording the date, time, and who is requesting
the number, and selling the information to the highest bidder (guess who?).

David Clunie writes:

> It would seem to me that someone somewhere should produce a "random
> number server" available via a well-known internet port number. Some
> natural phenomenon not readily available to all could be used to generate
> such numbers and one could just connect and ask for a number. It would be
> interesting to try to devise means by which interception or sequencing
> could be prevented.

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-- 
..........................................................................
Timothy C. May         | Crypto Anarchy: encryption, digital money,  
tcmay@netcom.com       | anonymous networks, digital pseudonyms, zero
408-688-5409           | knowledge, reputations, information markets, 
W.A.S.T.E.: Aptos, CA  | black markets, collapse of governments.
Higher Power: 2^756839 | PGP Public Key: by arrangement.