GUID number generator

[arnljot]

The idea is that it´s supposed to be golbally/universally unique.

Baseing the random seed on the system clock isn´t enough. As the seed can then be the same on another computer.

Many GUID generators pick markers from the generating machine that´ll increase the uniqueness of the random seed. The machines MAC address + systen nano time is considered a minimum to achieve a quality seed.

[arnljot]

Yep, I knew that the GUID wouldn´t be "private" and there is the issue of MAC reuse as you point out. I didn´t know about the difference between UUID and GUID, I thought it was a case of "dear child with many names", and I hadn´t caught the ISO standard. Good links with lots of nice tech reading

Especially liked to follow the link to the SHA-1 pseudo code.

[arnljot]

Why not?

I think the worry comes from virus makers LOL, apparently the melissa worm creator was identified as the worm held a GUID from his machine. With the predictable way the GUIDs are created, they were able to tell which machine created it at what time.

Never quite gotten the paranoia with MAC addresses either. Each time you see some screenshot MAC is blurred out :-?

I understand that Playstation3 hackers blur theirs out so that Sony can´t find them. But I can´t see how anyone can do an ID theft using your MAC address.