> As long as it isn't too bothersome for you, would you mind explaining why > the kernel doesn't activate it by default? Or why it isn't a `make config' > option? And why is a daemon needed for it?
No, its not bothersome to explain. This extract comes from 2.4.4's Documentation/i810_rng.txt. I also read about the decision of moving the rng to userland, but I can't find that now. Introduction: The i810_rng device driver is software that makes use of a special hardware feature on the Intel i8xx-based chipsets, a Random Number Generator (RNG). In order to make effective use of this device driver, you should download the support software as well. Download the latest version of the "intel-rng-tools" package from the i810_rng driver's official Web site: http://sourceforge.net/projects/gkernel/ -- And if your head explodes with dark forebodings too, I'll see you on the dark side of the moon.