Random Post

A new method for computer-generating random numbers is being called "remarkable", and could help improve computer security.

Random numbers are important for computer encryption, lotteries, scientific modelling, and gambling.

Current methods of generating random numbers can produce predictable results.

Researchers said the new method could generate higher-quality random numbers with less computer processing.

The problem of generating random numbers lies in the fact that computers are fundamentally predictable machines, running calculations and delivering answers based on mathematics.

The new method was detailed in a paper by two researchers from the University of Texas - Prof David Zuckerman and Eshan Chattopadhyay - and was first published online in July 2015.

It has taken almost a year for other researchers to examine the study's findings, expand upon the method, and for the original authors to add revisions.

Slow and predictable

There are currently two main methods for generating random numbers.

In the first, a computer picks numbers according to an algorithm or from a pre-generated list.

This method, while fast and not requiring much computer power, is not truly random, because the results are predictable.