Initialization of Pseudorandom Numbers

• The shift register method is unpopular because it is newer and because it is harder to initialize. However, Chiu describes a reasonable way using a congruential generator to get first random numbers.

• Typically, a random number package includes a call to a routine with a name like ranset.

  A call ranset (seed)

  sets seed for the congruential method.

• If you want a truly random start, a standard ``dodge'' is to set the seed to the binary image (remember is just a (32 bit) integer) of the system clock.

• One may wish to redo a calculation with the same initial seed so use

  clock (seed)

  print ( in binary form, seed)

  ranset (seed)