1 Pseudorandom number generator
A pseudorandom number generator (PRNG ) is an algorithm for generating a sequence of numbers that approximates the properties of random numbers. The sequence is not truly random in that it is completely determined by a relatively small set of initial values, called the PRNG's state. Although sequences that are closer to truly random can be generated using hardware random number generators , pseudorandom numbers are important in practice for simulations (e.g., of physical systems with the Monte Carlo method ), and are central in the practice of cryptography and procedural generation . Common classes of these algorithms are linear congruential generators , Lagged Fibonacci generators , linear feedback shift registers , feedback with carry shift registers , and generalised feedback shift registers. Recent instances of pseudorandom algorithms include Blum Blum Shub , Fortuna , and the Mersenne twister .
url:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudorandom_number_generator
2 Genuine random numbers, generated by radioactive decay
url:http://www.fourmilab.ch/hotbits/
3 http://www.random.org/