Yes, depending on what you mean by "random".

Geek Speak » in reply to Ever wonder how Lotteries generate random numbers?

David F Mayer — 12/20/2004 10:17:47 PM (archived)

If you mean totally unpredictable, sure it is possible. Just use dice or ping-pong balls, or amplify schott noise and use it to toggle a flop-flop which you read periodically.

If you mean something else, what is it that you mean?

The whole thread (11 posts)

Ever wonder how Lotteries generate random numbers? - RobVG - 12/3/2004 3:01:58 AM
- Yes, depending on what you mean by "random". - David F Mayer - 12/20/2004 10:17:47 PM
  - I meant how can a "computer" generate random numbers. There are some good links below. (n/t) - RobVG - 12/21/2004 2:54:52 AM
  - Sometimes you need a non-analog solution - alcaray - 12/20/2004 10:26:47 PM
- They don't. - Bowser - 12/3/2004 8:34:21 AM
- re: Ever wonder how Lotteries generate random numbers? - Tom Brosz - 12/3/2004 3:59:16 AM
  - There's that word again..."entropy". - RobVG - 12/4/2004 1:54:16 AM
    - Funny you should ask! - alcaray - 12/6/2004 6:25:21 PM
      - Shoot - Link expired? - RobVG - 12/10/2004 4:33:25 AM
        
        Hmmm. - alcaray - 12/10/2004 5:11:13 PM
        
        Very cool - thank you. (n/t) - RobVG - 12/11/2004 3:23:30 AM

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