TRULY RANDOM help
Click on the relevant part of the picture to get more information about each feature.
Random passwords and numbers, generated by pseudo random generator or true random numbers from external source. Random is an advanced random string generator, using the latest in artificial intelligence technology giving you the ability to make high quality random numbers and passwords. It is highly configurable and can even be used to generate lotto numbers. If you use the mask feature you may configure you random string or number very precisely. You can even automatically remove duplicate random strings or numbers. Or generate fake pronounceable English words.
View recent changes: change-log.
View the software licence: licence file.
A 32bit windows operating system (Win95, Win98, Win98SE, WinMe, WinNT, Win2000, WinXP, Vista and so on).
Bellow I will explain how you easily can generate random strings and passwords.
First make sure that Use Mask is disabled. (See illustration above.)
Then you must select which symbols, numbers and character you want your string/password to contain.
In our example we select Numbers and Lowercase (characters). That is the string/password will be made up of the characters "a" trough "z" and the numbers "0" through "9".
We select No Duplicates and unselect Add LF, that is we will make sure that the strings we generate are unique and every string/password will not be on its own line (the unselection of Add LF).
We set the random generator to pseudo random.
Set length of string/password to 4 letters and numbers, and the number of strings/passwords we want to generate to 5. That is we will generate 5 strings/passwords, 4 characters long.
We set Separator to ", " that is "," + Space-key, and we do not want to add any more text before or after the string/password. That is every string/password will be separated with a ", ": String1, String2, String3, String4, String4,
The statistics group-panel, should now read 2million Variations, that is we will generate 5 random strings out of 2 million possibilities.
Clear the string/password screen by clicking on the "Clear"-button.
Then click the "Generate"-button and the strings/passwords should appear, if they do not try this tutorial again.
To the top.We will now delve deeper into Truly Random's functions.
Generate - Using the current settings, print strings/passwords/numbers in the text-window.
Clear - Empties the text-window of all text.
Save - Saves the contents of the text-window to a text file.
Clipboard - Copies the contents of the text-window to the MS windows clipboard.
Quit - Closes the program.
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Two types of random generator are available, that is two methods of generating the variations Truly Random uses to generate its strings, passwords and numbers.
Pseudo random uses a so called pseudo random generator; this is what you will usually find in common computers and used by similar programs to Truly Random. It simulates a series of random values, the numbers appear virtually undistinguishable from truly random ones, like the flipping of a coin or the spinning of a roulette wheel. The pseudo random generator in Truly Random is a cryptographically strong random generator, and will pass the diehard* tests. But it is not truly random, merely a simulation, there is a system in the values it's just very very hard to spot.
*Diehard aka Marsaglia's Diehard Battery of Tests of Randomness. Diehard is program containing a series of test for randomness in data, and has become the standard method for testing random sources. Diehard is written by George Marsaglia, and is freely available on the internet.
The "Truly random" option lets you generate non pseudo random values. This is done by sampling or recording random noise via the PC's sound card.
To do this you must provide a random audio noise source; most types of white noise will do, running water taps and so on. But we recommend using a battery powered radio, and tuning it to a frequency where no transmissions can be heard.
You must set the audio recording properties of your MS Windows correctly; these controls are found under the Options|Properties menu of your audio recording control panel. This is a feature of MS Windows and will vary slightly from version to version, it's not part of Truly Random and can not be accessed from that program. Make sure you have set MS Windows to record from the audio input source you are using, and that you have an appropriate volume.
Adjust the volume of the source, the easiest way while using a radio is to adjust the volume on the radio itself, so that the audio meter in Truly Random is in the green.
If you check the Normalize Volume option* under the volume indicator. Truly Random will try to adjust the MS Multimedia mixer recording volume to the most appropriate value automatically. The Normalize Volume text will show how successful this is*. A red color indicates that the input sound level is so unstable that is is very difficult to maintain the appropriate volume level, if you get this it is probably best to adjust the radio or random signal so that you get a more even volume. Green text is displayed when Truly Random is successful in controlling the volume. Please not that it can take a few seconds to adjust the volume to an appropriate level for Truly Random. This delay occurs when the program is first turned on or the audio input source is changed.
If the volume still is to low you must adjust the volume on you input device,
radio and so on.
Finally you should check that the Sound Chaos Level is high, this is the randomness of your sound input. A low value or a very erratic level of sound chaos will not give good random data. If it is low, try tuning the radio to another frequency. The input noise should be white noise, the same noise a running water tap produces.
Now you can generate strings/passwords using actual random values.
* Not available under Windows Vista.
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These checkboxes lets you select what characters your random string/password shall be composed of. If you are not using mask generation, you must at least select one option here.
Uppercase - Letters from 'A' trough 'Z'.
Lowercase - Letters from 'a' through 'z'.
Special characters - These are computer characters that are printable, but not letters nor numbers, like comma, colon or the dollar sign.
Numbers - Numbers from '0' through '9'.
Space - This is just that ' ', what you get when you press once on the space bar.
Pronounceable - The pronounceable checkbox in the main window and pronounceable masks lets you generate strings containing pseudo English words. This is mainly intended for generating easily remembered passwords, but still not real words. Passwords that are real English words found in a dictionary are problematic for security reasons; they can often easily be bypassed by a hacker using a so called dictionary attack. That is why it can be very helpful to use the "Not in dictionary" feature.
The pronounceable stings will lack the variations of totally random strings which can contain any character in any combination. As passwords these are technically not as strong as compleatly random strings, but writing down a password can be cumbersome and by it self adds the possibility of the wrong person finding it.
Click on the relevant area in the picture above to get more information about each feature.
By right-clicking with the mouse on Uppercase, Lowercase, Special characters or Numbers you may select Configure from the popup menu displayed.
In the window displayed you'll see a table of ASCII characters, the characters inn green are used for the selection in the "Alter random characters" box. Here you can alter the characters used, by clicking on the character buttons either removing a character by clicking on a green button or adding characters by clicking on a grey ones.
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Here you specify how many characters there are in one string (if you are not using masks), and the number of strings you are going to generate.
Length - The length of a string/password in characters, will not work in mask mode.
Number - Number of strings/passwords generated, when you press "Generate" button.
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Lets you add non random text to both mask and regular strings/passwords.
Separator - This text is placed between strings/passwords. If you do not select "Add LF" option or specify a Separator text, it will be very difficult to see were one string begins and another ends.
Front text - This text is added in front of the string/password.
Back text - This text is placed at the back of the string/password.
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No duplicates - Checking this box will make sure that all the strings/passwords/numbers generated are unique. NOTE: If you press the "Generate" button twice "No duplicates" has no influence over whether there are repetitions between the two generates.
Not in dictionary - Removes common and not so common English words from the results. It is strongly recommended that real words are not to be used in passwords. For more information read the information about pronounceable passwords.Add LF - Will make sure that each new string/password is on its own line.
Use mask - Enables the mask feature. See the mask section for more information.
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Gives general information about settings and the number of strings/passwords generated.
Variations - Shows the number of possible combinations with the current settings, does not work with the mask feature.
Counter - Shows how many strings/passwords that have been generated.
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Used to calibrate the level of sound noise input, for best results the needle should be in the green and the Normalize volume option checked*, the "Normalize volume" should stabalise in a green color indicating a stable and successful adjusted volume. See the section about random generators.
* Not available under Windows Vista.
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Truly random uses artificial intelligence technology to listen to the sound signal, and grades the input noise for randomness. A higher level on the graph indicates more random or chaotic noise/sound.
Generating truly random values is done by sampling random noise through your sound card. The easiest way is to tune a radio receiver to an unused frequency and connect it to your sound card. See the section about random generators.
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Saves or loads text from or to the main text window. Default file extension is ".txt".
Open or saves mask (text) to or from the mask area. Default file extension is ".msk".
Open or saves all the boxes and areas of Truly Random, all the settings basically. Default file extension is ".ini".
Prints text (or selected text) from the main text area to printer.
Exits windows open by Truly Random or Truly Random itself if there are no new open windows.
Reverses last change, in mask or main text area. You choose by selecting either the mask or main text area.
Deletes selected text and places it in the clipboard. Works on all editable text fields.
Places selected text in the clipboard, without deleting or altering it.
Writes text from clipboard into selected text field (at cursor position).
Removes selected text.
Selects all text in the selected text area.
Displays preferences menu.
Same as the generate button.
Same as the clear button.
Opens a window to let you configure the set of characters (letters) Truly Random will choose from when generating random text.
Using this you can easily make a series of random numbers ranging from one number to another. Displays the Wizard numbers menu.
Using this you can easily make a series of random passwords. Displays the Wizard passwords menu.
Using this you can easily make a series of random PINs. Displays the Wizard PINs menu.
Displays this text.
Opens new window with registration information, links to the Truly Random home page for registration, support and so on.
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Using the mask feature you can customize the type of random data you want to a great degree, lotto numbers, passwords starting with letters and ending with numbers, combining non random data with random is just some of the possibilities.
You should encase normal text in double quotation marks, like: "normal text". The text inside the quotation marks will be printed exactly as written. This makes it possible to use characters in the text which othervice would be reserved. Note text outside quotation marks, special text or math brackets will be written as is, but it is recommended that you use the quotation method to be on the safe side.
These commands are enclosed in <> brackets, you may use as many commands you want inside one sett of brackets or use as many brackets setts you want.
Possible commands are:
| Command | Type | Description | Range |
| a | Lowercase | Random lowercase character. | 'a' through 'z' |
| A | Uppercase | Random uppercase character. | 'A' through 'Z' |
| 0 | Number | (the number zero) Random number. | '0' through '9' |
| o | Octal | (the letter 'o') Random octal number. | '0' through '7' |
| c | Character | Random readable character, number, special character or letter, but not space. | |
| C | Character or space | Random readable character, number, special character, letter or space. | |
| h | Hexadecimal lowercase | Random hexadecimal number, using lowercase letters. '0' through 'f'. | |
| H | Hexadecimal uppercase | Random hexadecimal number, using uppercase letters. '0' through 'F'. | |
| l | Letter | Random letter can be both lowercase and uppercase. 'A' through 'z'. | |
| L | Letter or space | Random letter can be both lowercase, uppercase or space. 'A' through 'z' and space. | |
| p | Pronounceable small | Small pronounceable character in a pronounceable string. (The p is lowercase.) | |
| P | Pronounceable lage | Lage pronounceable character in a pronounceable string. (The P is uppercase.) | |
| s | Pronounceable letter | Small or large pronounceable character in a pronounceable string. | |
| *n | Repeat | Repeat last generated character 'n' times, NOTE 1 wont change anything. '*2' through '*9'. | |
| %n1-n2 | Range specific number | Generates random decimal numbers between the values 'n1' and 'n2' including 'n1' and 'n2'. Numbers can be more than one decimal. | |
| fn1 n2 | Range of real numbers | Generates random numbers including fractions between the values 'n1' and 'n2' including 'n1' and 'n2'. 'n1' and 'n2' can be fractions or exponential themselves also positive or negative. Example: f-1E-5 1000 generates random numbers between -0.00001 and 1000. | |
| gµ σ² | Gaussian distribution | Normal distribution. Also called a bell curve. µ is the mean value, and σ² the variance for the distribution. σ is the standard deviation. The mean is the middle or top of the bell. There is approximately a 95% chance that a value will be at most two standard deviations (2×σ) away from from the mean value µ (68% for one standard deviation away and 99.7% for 3 standard deviations away, 3×σ from the mean value µ). | |
| Gµ σ² | Gaussian distribution | Normal distribution. The resulting numbers are rounded to nearest whole number, otherwise exactly as above. | |
| m12345 | Random selection | Generates a random value in the range specified. 'm' is followed by five values ether 0 or 1, 0 means off and 1 on. Position 1 is Uppercase, 2 is Lowercase, 3 is Numbers, 4 is Special characters and 5 is Space. | |
| #n | ASCII decimal | Prints the character corresponding to the ASCII code n, n is a decimal number. | |
| $n | ASCII hexadecimal | Prints the character corresponding to the ASCII code n, n is a hexadecimal number. | |
| dn | User random character | User defined random character. Right clicking on the mask box and selecting configure, will let you configure 10 different random character sets. n is a value between 0 and 9, and corresponds to a user defined character set. A random character from that set is printed by with this option. | |
| {n1,n2,..n} | Random strings | Picks a random string from the list of strings n1,n2,n3,n4 and so on. | |
| <>> | Larger | Prints the character '>'. | '>' |
| <<> | Smaller | Prints the character '<'. | '<' |
You may enter mathematical formulas in the mask field. A formula must be enclosed in "[" "]" brackets.
An example: [3+2]
This gives the result 5.
It is possible to include random masks in an mathematical formula, like <%0-5>. So if you wanted a random value of 0, 5 or 10, you could write [<%0-2>*5], the result is a random value of 0-2 multiplied by 5.
An incorrect formula will result in an error message: Syntax error in formula.
| Expression | Type | Description |
| [ | Start of formula | Every formula must start with this. |
| ] | End of formula | Every formula must end with this. |
| ( ) | Parentheses | Separates mathematical expressions. |
| x+y | Addition | Adds numbers x and y together. |
| x-y | Subtraction | Subtracts number y from number x. |
| x*y | Multiplication | Multiplies numbers x and y. |
| x/y | Division | Divides x by y. |
| x^y | Rise | Rises x to the power of y. |
| cos(x) | Cosine | Gets the cosine of the angle x. |
| sin(x) | Sine | Gets the sine of the angle x. |
| tg(x) | Tangent | Gets the tangent of the angle x. [tg(x)] is the same as [sin(x)/cos(x)] |
| ctg(x) | Cotangent | Cotangent of the angle x. [ctg(x)] = [1/tan(x)] = [cos(x)/sin(x)] |
| arcsin(x) | Inverse sine | Inverse sine of x. x must be 1>x>-1. |
| arcos(x) | Inverse cosine | Inverse cosine of x. x must be 1>x>-1. |
| arctan(x) | Inverse tangent | Arctangent of x. |
| arcctg(x) | Inverse cotangent | Arccotangent of x. |
| sinh(x) | Hyperbolic sine | Hyperbolic sine of x. [sinh(x)] = [(exp(x) -exp(-x))/2] |
| cosh(x) | Hyperbolic cosine | Hyperbolic cosine of x. [cosh(x)] = [(exp(x) +exp(-x))/2] |
| tanh(x) | Hyperbolic tangent | Hyperbolic tangent of x. [tanh(x)] = [sinh(x) /cosh(x)] |
| coth(x) | Hyperbolic cotangent | Hyperbolic cotangent of x. [coth(x)] = [cosh(x) /sinh(x)] |
| h(x) | Sign | Returns +1 if x is 0 or higher, if x is -1 or lower the result is 0. |
| sgn(x) | Sign | Returns 1 if x is positive, -1 if x is negative. |
| abs(x) | Absolute value | Makes negative values into positive ones. |
| sqrt(x) | Squareroot | Calculates the squareroot of x. |
| ln(x) | Natural logarithm | The natural logarithm of x, ln(e)=1. |
| exp(x) | Exponential | Gets e raised to the power of x, where e is base of the natural logarithms. |
| round(x) | Round up | Rounds off fractions. round(0.5)=1 |
This feature lets you easily make simple random data, like numbers, passwords and PINs.
Above you can see the wizards main menu, this can be open by pressing the Wizard button in the main window or by selecting "Run this wizard when Truly Random starts".
Run this wizard when Truly Random starts - If this box is checked the wizard menu will automatically be opened every time you start the program. You can stop the wizard from opening automatically by unchecking the box to the left of the text.
Next - Once you have decided what kind of random information you what to make, by selecting Numbers, Passwords or PINs press the Next button.
Cancel - To exit the wizard menu, without making any random data press the Cancel button. If you selected to start (or not) the wizard on program startup (not windows startup) this will be saved.
By selecting numbers in the main wizard menu, (see above) you can start the Random Number Wizard. Using this you can easily make a series of random numbers ranging from one number to another.
Generate X numbers - First enter the number of values you want. In the image above its 10, but it (X) can be any number.
Ranging from Z to Y - The range of random values you are going to need. From the lowest number you want to the highest. In the image above, 0 and 3 is used so that the values 0,1,2 and 3 all are possible results.
Do not repeat the same number - If you need every value to be different from every other, check the "Do not repeat the same number" box.
Back - To get back to the wizard main menu (see above), press the Back button.
Finish - Once you have entered the appropriate values for the random numbers you are making, press the Finish button.
Cancel - You can exit the number wizard without making any random values by pressing the Cancel button.
By selecting passwords in the main wizard menu, (see above) you can start the Random Password Wizard. Using this you can easily make a series of random passwords, using small and/or large letters, with or without numbers included.
Generate X password - You can generate how many passwords you want at once, just enter the number of random passwords you need in the Generate X passwords box. 50 is used as an example in the image above, it may be any number you want.
Y characters long - To specify the length of the passwords you are going to make, enter the number of characters you want in each password in the Y characters long box. In the example above 6 is used, it may be any number above 1.
Using (only small/only large/small & large) letters - If the passwords are going to be case sensitive, you can chouse whether to use capitol, small or a combination of letters in you passwords. The Using (only small/only large/small & large) letters menu makes this process easier. In the image above only large letters are used, you can make any selection.
Include numbers - If you for security reasons what you password to not only contain letters but also numbers, you can do this by checking the include numbers box.
Do not repeat the same password - When all passwords needs to be unique, you check the Do not repeat the same password box. Using this option no password will be the same.
Back - To get back to the wizard main menu (see above), press the Back button.
Finish - Once you have entered the appropriate values for the random passwords you are making, press the Finish button.
Cancel - You can exit the password wizard without making any passwords by pressing the Cancel button.
By selecting PINs in the main wizard menu, (see above) you can start the Random PIN Wizard. Using this you can easily make a series of random PINs. A PIN or Personal Identification Number is a four decimal diget number (0000-9999).
Generate X PINs - You can generate how many PINs you want at once, just enter the number of random PINs you need in the Generate X PINs box. 2 is used as an example in the image above, it may be any number you want.
Do not repeat the same PIN - When all the PINs must be unique you check the Do not repeat the same PIN box . Using this option no PIN will be the same.
Back - To get back to the wizard main menu (see above), press the Back button.
Finish - Once you have entered the appropriate values for the random PINs you are making, press the Finish button.
Cancel - You can exit the PINs wizard without making any numbers, by pressing the Cancel button.
To the top.The options menus let you configure printer margins, page numbering and UDP settings for third party applications.
Here you can adjust printer margins or select if the pages be numbered.
Top
Printer margin from the top edge of the paper. In centimeters (cm) or inches (").
Bottom
Printer margin from the bottom edge of the paper. In centimeters (cm) or inches (").
Left
Printer margin from the left edge of the paper. In centimeters (cm) or inches (").
Right
Printer margin from the right edge of the paper. In centimeters (cm) or inches (").
Margin scale
The pull down menu on the lower right of printer options, here you can select if you want your margins in inches or centimeters.
Page Numbering
Print page number, bottom right. Page 1, Page 2 and so on.
This chapter is for users who want to program 3ed party applications that get random data directly from Truly Random in real time.
Random data can be accessed via UDP packets sent to and from Truly Random. A “mask” packet is sent on one port and the random string is sent back on another predetermined port. The data is received and sent as ASCII strings.
Enable UDP
To enable Truly Randoms UDP feature check this box.
Enables the UDP remote control feature. If disabled, UDP is disabled and all the other UDP entries are ignored.
Local Port
Values: 0-65535. Any free/unused port. This is the port Truly Random listens to for “masks” to process.
Remote Port
Values: 0-65535. Any free unused port. This is the port Truly Random sends its answers to remote applications on.
Accepted Remote Hosts
Values: empty or comma separated list of hosts. If Truly Random is to answer requests from all hosts, leave entry empty and nothing more. Or you can enter a list of hosts separated by commas that are the only hosts that will be processed.
Note: Though no known security flaw is known, it is strongly suggested that you limit you use of Truly Randoms UDP feature to computers behind a good firewall.
Enabled Log
If checked, a list of received “masks” with corresponding replies is shown in the main text area.
Example transaction:
Assuming the UDP settings is as in the options window above, and Truly Random is running.
A 3rd Party application sends a UDP message to Port 90 <PPPP> (thereby asking for a pronounceable random string 4 character long).
Truly Random sends back on Port 91 “YOFF” a 4 character random string.
NOTE: “Random generator”, “No duplicates” and “Not in dictionary” can only be selected in the Truly Random main window, and not remotely.
OK
Accept and save new settings. Exiting Options menu.
Cancel
Discard settings and exit Options menu.
Help
Show user guide. (This text.)
| Function | Description | Shortcut key | |
| Load Random Data | Loads text to the main text window | Ctrl+O | |
| Save Random Data | Saves text from the main text window | Ctrl+S | |
| Load Mask | Opens mask (text) from file | Alt+O | |
| Save Mask | Saves mask (text) to file | Alt+S | |
| Load Settings | Opens all the settings from file | Ctrl+Alt+O | |
| Save Settings | Saves all the settings to file | Ctrl+Alt+S | |
| Prints text in main text area | Ctrl+P | ||
| Close | Exits Truly Random | Esc | |
| Undo | Reverses last change | Ctrl+Z | |
| Cut | Moves selected text to clipboard | Ctrl+X | |
| Copy | Places selected text in clipboard | Ctrl+C | |
| Paste | Writes text from clipboard | Ctrl+V | |
| Delete | Removes selected text | Ctrl+Del | |
| Select All | Selects all text in the area | Ctrl+A | |
| Options | Displays preferences menu | Alt+P | |
| Generate | Make random data | Ctrl+G | |
| Clear | Clear main text area | Shift+Del | |
| Configure Random characters | Configure the sets of characters | Cltr+Alt+C | |
| Numbers wizard | Starts Random Number Wizard | Ctrl+Alt+N | |
| Passwords wizard | Starts Random Password Wizard | Ctrl+Alt+P | |
| PINs wizard | Starts Random PIN Wizard | Ctrl+Alt+I | |
| Help | Displays this text | Shift+F1 | |
| About | Registration information | Ctrl+F1 | |
| Content specific help | About the selected area in the window | F1 |