Random variate generation can be accessed through the Generate command in the Input menu or from the Generate button on the speed bar.
The Generate dialog provides the choice of distribution, parameters, and random number stream for the generation of random variates from each of the distributions covered by Stat::Fit. The generation is limited to 8000 points maximum, the limit of the input table used by Stat::Fit. The sequence of numbers is repeatable for each distribution because the same random number stream is used [stream 0]. However, the sequence of numbers can be varied by choosing a different random number stream, 0-99.
The generator will not change existing data in the Data Table, but will append the generated data points up to the limit of 8000 points. In this manner the sum of two or more distributions may be tested. Sorting will not be preserved.
This generator can be used to provide a file of random numbers for another program as well as to test the variation of the distribution estimates once the input data has been fit.
By default, the generator is a Prime Modulus Multiplicative Linear Congruential Generator set up with 100 streams, each 100,000 numbers long. Another generator, using Mixed Prime Modulus Multiplicative Linear Generators (L'Ecuyer) with shuffling added, may also be used. It has 1000 streams, each 10,000,000 numbers long. For data files longer than 8000 numbers, use the Utilities|Generate Variates File menu item.
