THE WHATIS.COM WORD-OF-THE-DAY July 1, 2004 random numbers _____________ SPONSORED BY: myITforum.com
myITforum.com offers a daily e-newsletter for IT professionals responsible for managing their corporations' Microsoft Windows systems. Specifically focused on Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS), the myITforum.com daily news includes articles, industry news, site news and links to its exclusive collection of member forums and download utilities. It is part of the TechTarget network of Web sites focused on Microsoft Windows, including SearchExchange.com, Labmice.net, and its flagship Windows site, SearchWin2000.com. http://myitforum.techtarget.com/registration/?track=NL-34&ad=486200 ______________________ TODAY'S WORD: random numbers Read our complete definition with hyperlinks at http://searchsmallbizit.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid44_gci922398,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 Random numbers are numbers that occur in a sequence such that two conditions are met: (1) the values are uniformly distributed over a defined interval or set, and (2) it is impossible to predict future values based on past or present ones. Random numbers are important in statistical analysis and probability theory. The most common set from which random numbers are derived is the set of single-digit decimal numbers {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}. The task of generating random digits from this set is not trivial. A common scheme is the selection (by means of a mechanical escape hatch that lets one ball out at a time) of numbered ping-pong balls from a set of 10, one bearing each digit, as the balls are blown about in a container by forced-air jets. This method is popular in lotteries. After each number is selected, the ball with that number is returned to the set, the balls are allowed to blow around for a minute or two, and then another ball is allowed to escape. Sometimes the digits in the decimal expansions of irrational numbers are used in an attempt to obtain random numbers. Most whole numbers have irrational square roots, so entering a string of six or eight digits into a calculator and then hitting the square root button can provide a sequence of digits that seems random. Other algorithms have been devised that supposedly generate random numbers. The problem with these methods is that they violate condition (2) in the definition of randomness. The existence of any number-generation algorithm produces future values based on past and/or current ones. Digits or numbers generated in this manner are called pseudorandom. Statisticians, mathematicians, and scientists have long searched for the ideal source of random numbers. One of the best methods is the sampling of electromagnetic noise. This noise, generated by the chaotic movements of electrons, holes, or other charge carriers in materials and in space, is thought to be as close to "totally random" as any observable phenomenon. ______________________ RELATED TERMS: irrational number http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci283983,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 algorithm http://searchvb.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid8_gci211545,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 ______________________ SELECTED LINKS: Random.org maintains a real-time random number service. http://www.random.org/ _____________________ TODAY'S TECH NEWS: ISERIES PLAYS ROLE IN NATIONAL DEFENSE A pilot program in Mississippi will use iSeries Model 825s to link the databases of three counties making it easier for police, fire and other emergency officials to access information in the event of a terrorist attack and other disasters. http://search400.techtarget.com/originalContent/0,289142,sid3_gci991049,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 STORAGETEK AND SUN TIGHTEN THE KNOT Facing increased competition from EMC's recent entry into the tape market, StorageTek has strengthened its OEM ties with Sun. http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/originalContent/0,289142,sid5_gci990882,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 FOR ONE FIRM, CUTTING THE T1 STILL TOO DAUNTING Some say fixed wireless is as secure and reliable as high-speed wired service, but one company explains why, for now, it's using the technology only in emergencies. http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/originalContent/0,289142,sid7_gci990933,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 >> Catch up on all the latest IT news at http://searchtechtarget.techtarget.com?track=NL-34&ad=486200 ______________________ SECRET WORD-OF-THE-DAY This is a hardware device or small program that monitors everything a user types on a computer's keyboard. What is it? http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid14_gci962518,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200&offer=SWOD ______________________ GEEK TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE DAY What advisory board urged users to avoid using Internet Explorer when performing financial transactions on the Internet this week? >> See answer http://searchcio.techtarget.com/gDefinition/0,294236,sid19_gci213844,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200&offer=ciofact ______________________ ABBREVIATION QOTD TTL is a value in an Internet Protocol packet that tells a network router whether or not the packet has been in the network too long and should be discarded. What does it stand for? a. time to live b. task too long >> See answer http://searchsmallbizit.techtarget.com/gDefinition/0,294236,sid44_gci214184,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200&offer=QOTD ______________________ DO YOU SPEAK GEEK? Episode 2: Romancing the Penguin (The Lovers) Exactly who is romancing the penguin? We bet you'll be surprised. Many well-known companies have turned their attention to Linux and are jumping on the open source bandwagon in a big way. This week we'll provide you with clues about the penguin's suitors and ask you to identify who they are. http://searchenterpriselinux.techtarget.com/originalContent/0,289142,sid39_gci990241,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 ______________________________ RECENT ADDITIONS AND UPDATES (1) virtual storage area network http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid5_gci990068,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 (2) micro fuel cell http://searchsmallbizit.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid44_gci990253,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 (3) Illustrated definitions http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci970532,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 (4) Error messages for Windows 2000 http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci990463,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 (5) Understanding TCP/IP http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci989915,00.html?track=NL-34&ad=486200 ____________________________________________________________________ ::::::::::::::::::: WHATIS.COM CONTACTS ::::::::::::::::::: MARGARET ROUSE, Site Editor ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) IVY WIGMORE, Consulting Editor ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) LOWELL THING, Consulting Editor and Founder ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) GABRIELLE DERUSSY, Advertising ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) ::::::::::::::::::::: ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER :::::::::::::::::::::: This e-newsletter is published by WhatIs.com, a targeted Web site from TechTarget, the most targeted IT media and events company. 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