The article discusses the challenges of designing, implementing, and using a good, minimal standard random number generator that works across various systems. It highlights the importance of random number generation in computer science and the difficulties in creating reliable generators. The authors argue that while many generators have been developed, most are not satisfactory, and the minimal standard generator, based on the multiplicative linear congruential method, is recommended. This generator uses a modulus of $2^{31}-1$ and a multiplier of 16807, which ensures a full period and good statistical properties. The article also addresses the implementation of this generator in different programming languages and discusses the theoretical considerations behind its design. It critiques other generators, including RANDU, which is known for its poor performance, and highlights the importance of proper implementation and testing. The authors emphasize the need for a reliable and portable random number generator and recommend the minimal standard as a benchmark for evaluating other generators.The article discusses the challenges of designing, implementing, and using a good, minimal standard random number generator that works across various systems. It highlights the importance of random number generation in computer science and the difficulties in creating reliable generators. The authors argue that while many generators have been developed, most are not satisfactory, and the minimal standard generator, based on the multiplicative linear congruential method, is recommended. This generator uses a modulus of $2^{31}-1$ and a multiplier of 16807, which ensures a full period and good statistical properties. The article also addresses the implementation of this generator in different programming languages and discusses the theoretical considerations behind its design. It critiques other generators, including RANDU, which is known for its poor performance, and highlights the importance of proper implementation and testing. The authors emphasize the need for a reliable and portable random number generator and recommend the minimal standard as a benchmark for evaluating other generators.