/dev/random -- can I enlarge the `randomness stock'?

From: getrpml@moscito.org
Date: Sun May 21 2000 - 02:42:50 EDT

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    Dear Sirs:

            For an application, I need a random seed with about 25000 bits
            of randomness from time to time. Unfortunately, /dev/random in
            the standard kernel only stocks 512 bytes of randomness. Can I
            enlarge it with no ill effect merely by changing one variable
            in the kernel's random.c? [Here core memory is no problem.] I
            have read the source but am loathe to try anything on a running
            machine with a duty. Thanks.

            Also, can some kind soul inform me how quickly is the stock of
            randomness replenished in a `typical' machine, assuming there
            to be such a beast? The machine running my program will likely
            have 512MB of ram, 9Gx3 RAID-5 SCSI drives, and dual PIII's.

            Thanks for any helpful suggestions or hints.

                                                    Thanks greatly, BY

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