Hi there,
I'm trying to understand how a computer generates a random number, i cannot simply think of any mathematical calculation that would give a TRUE random number.
Because the computer is a contained machine i cannot understand how the number can be random? If i ran a random number generator for say 24 hours and logged the results would i start to notice some strange outputs, i.e. some numbers appearing not at all, some alot more than others?
For a true random number would the computer need to have some kind of input from the "real" world? By this i mean something physical/biological that we can grasp, this would then allow for true measurement (but only to the degree of accuracy of the measuring device).
Im really stumped by this, its driving me nuts, last nyt i was awake in bed trying to figure this out, no luck.
So, my question is, can a computer give me a real honest random number? If so how?
Cheers in advanced guys
I'm trying to understand how a computer generates a random number, i cannot simply think of any mathematical calculation that would give a TRUE random number.
Because the computer is a contained machine i cannot understand how the number can be random? If i ran a random number generator for say 24 hours and logged the results would i start to notice some strange outputs, i.e. some numbers appearing not at all, some alot more than others?
For a true random number would the computer need to have some kind of input from the "real" world? By this i mean something physical/biological that we can grasp, this would then allow for true measurement (but only to the degree of accuracy of the measuring device).
Im really stumped by this, its driving me nuts, last nyt i was awake in bed trying to figure this out, no luck.
So, my question is, can a computer give me a real honest random number? If so how?
Cheers in advanced guys
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