rand(3BSD)           (BSD System Compatibility)           rand(3BSD)


       NAME
             rand, srand - (BSD) simple random number generator

       SYNOPSIS
             /usr/ucb/cc [flag . . . ] file . . .
             srand(int seed);
             rand(void);

       DESCRIPTION
             rand uses a multiplicative congruential random number
             generator with period 2**32 to return successive pseudo-random
             numbers in the range from 0 to (2**31)-1.

             srand can be called at any time to reset the random-number
             generator to a random starting point.  The generator is
             initially seeded with a value of 1.

       REFERENCES
             drand48(3C), rand(3C), random(3BSD)

       NOTICES
             The spectral properties of rand leave a great deal to be
             desired.  drand48(3C) rand(3C), and random(3BSD) provide much
             better, though more elaborate, random-number generators.

             The low bits of the numbers generated are not very random; use
             the middle bits.  In particular the lowest bit alternates
             between 0 and 1.




















                           Copyright 1994 Novell, Inc.               Page 1