Random numbers in theory

Unpredictable and true randomness can only be generated by true chaotic systems and phenomenons. A chaotic system will unpredictable and will therefore could guarantee a true randomness.

Scientists use this fact, when they generate random numbers from atmospheric noise of the background radiation from the universe.

And this totally true randomness is necessary in the means of scientific work research.

In practical use the randomness of a computer generator in sufficient for most purposes.

Random numbers at the Wikipedia

Random numbers and security

A well known method to create secure private keys is with the combination of movements with the mouse and complicated mathematical formulas and algorithms.

Such computer generated private keys consists of random numbers and letters.

Pseudo random numbers

Random numbers generated only form computers are not truly random, but what we call pseudo random. Computers are predictable, and the mathematical formulas and algorithms are also predictable and logical by nature. That's why the computer can deal with these in the first place.

The consequence of course is that computer generated randomness in theory is predictable and therefore only pseudo random. In practical use it would take huge resources and power to predict the computer created random numbers.

Read about algorithm in Pseudo random number generator in a wiki article.

Random numbers generated from atmospheric noise, can be found at Random.org.

History of the Random Number

From ancient times men have used random numbers and randomness. They have been used especially for gaming and playing, for arts and science.

But also in religion and philosophy concepts like randomness, coincidence, destiny, faith and luck have been important. In early days randomness

Random number generators

To generate a random number, you need some kind of device - a generator

Historical Random generators

The old generators of randomness was based on the of physics. Man created cubes and used them as dices. Coins could be used for flipping. Or you could draw cards to generate random numbers, and create randomness and coincidence.

Later the roulette was invented and a true master generator of random numbers was created.

Read Wiki article about random number generator

Modern Random generators

Now a days computers are used as random number generators. And real randomness have increased tremendously in the area of computers.

True random numbers are generated from chaotic and unpredictable phenomenons of the universe. Generation of pseudo random numbers are based on different algorithms, mathematical formulas, mouse movements, time and different combinations of those.

Read more about random number generators at applications of randomness.