Random number generators for microcomputers

Abstract

This paper presents the results of comparative tests of several random number generators to generate uniform [0,1] pseudo-random numbers. Tests were run on two different kinds of microcomputers with similar results. The computers used were a Tandy Model 4D (an 8 bit machine) and a Zenith model 150 (a 16 bit IBM compatible machine operating under MS DOS 2.11 and 3.1) withouta math coprocessor chip. All programming was done in FORTRAN using the Microsoft FORTRAN compilers available for the two machines (two MS DOS compilers were used; Microsoft's FORTRAN 77, versions 3.2 and 4.0).

Keywords:

• random numbers
• microcomputers
• pseudo-random numbers
• iid unit uniform numbers
• randomness tests