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

From: getrpml@moscito.org
Date: Sun May 21 2000 - 01:42:50 EST

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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