- Community Home
- >
- Servers and Operating Systems
- >
- Operating Systems
- >
- Operating System - OpenVMS
- >
- Re: Generating Random Numbers.
Operating System - OpenVMS
1748228
Members
4342
Online
108759
Solutions
Forums
Categories
Company
Local Language
юдл
back
Forums
Discussions
Forums
- Data Protection and Retention
- Entry Storage Systems
- Legacy
- Midrange and Enterprise Storage
- Storage Networking
- HPE Nimble Storage
Discussions
Discussions
Discussions
Forums
Forums
Discussions
юдл
back
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
- BladeSystem Infrastructure and Application Solutions
- Appliance Servers
- Alpha Servers
- BackOffice Products
- Internet Products
- HPE 9000 and HPE e3000 Servers
- Networking
- Netservers
- Secure OS Software for Linux
- Server Management (Insight Manager 7)
- Windows Server 2003
- Operating System - Tru64 Unix
- ProLiant Deployment and Provisioning
- Linux-Based Community / Regional
- Microsoft System Center Integration
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
Blogs
Information
Community
Resources
Community Language
Language
Forums
Blogs
Go to solution
Topic Options
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Mark Topic as New
- Mark Topic as Read
- Float this Topic for Current User
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Printer Friendly Page
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
тАО02-15-2011 10:33 PM
тАО02-15-2011 10:33 PM
Re: Generating Random Numbers.
Dave,
A note on "randomness".
There is a large difference between the colloquial usage of the word, and the (generally accepted) precise mathematical meaning. The difference between the two is significant.
If a program is merely using a "random" number for an inconsequential task (e.g., which of 17 equivalent greetings to include on an invoice), then precise randomness is not an issue. On the other hand, when programs are using numbers for significant purposes, where non-randomness can induce bias has the potential to cause inaccuracy (e.g., simulations, sampling of various kinds, drug trials, gambling) where the precise definition rises in import.
Since nothing is known about the applications context, my default position is to assume that randomness is of significance. Thus, functions that do not fit the mathematical requirements do not qualify.
F$UNIQUE is better used for a different purposes (e.g., generating file names).
In summary, problems involving pseudo random number generators are a pool with a significant shallow section where choices are close to insignificant, and other sections where there is VERY deep water which can cause one to drown if one is not careful.
- Bob Gezelter, http://www.rlgsc.com
A note on "randomness".
There is a large difference between the colloquial usage of the word, and the (generally accepted) precise mathematical meaning. The difference between the two is significant.
If a program is merely using a "random" number for an inconsequential task (e.g., which of 17 equivalent greetings to include on an invoice), then precise randomness is not an issue. On the other hand, when programs are using numbers for significant purposes, where non-randomness can induce bias has the potential to cause inaccuracy (e.g., simulations, sampling of various kinds, drug trials, gambling) where the precise definition rises in import.
Since nothing is known about the applications context, my default position is to assume that randomness is of significance. Thus, functions that do not fit the mathematical requirements do not qualify.
F$UNIQUE is better used for a different purposes (e.g., generating file names).
In summary, problems involving pseudo random number generators are a pool with a significant shallow section where choices are close to insignificant, and other sections where there is VERY deep water which can cause one to drown if one is not careful.
- Bob Gezelter, http://www.rlgsc.com
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
тАО02-16-2011 12:00 AM
тАО02-16-2011 12:00 AM
Re: Generating Random Numbers.
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
тАО02-16-2011 10:51 AM
тАО02-16-2011 10:51 AM
Re: Generating Random Numbers.
Thanks for all of the comments.
Dave.
Dave.
- « Previous
-
- 1
- 2
- Next »
The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. By using this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Rules of Participation.
News and Events
Support
© Copyright 2024 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP