>I am looking for suggestions for the following algorithm:
>
>Say I have a “seed” number (or string of digits or letters). E.g. “382622” (does not matter how many digits, so if you think it should be a certain number of digits, please let me know). This “seed” number will never change.
>
>Then I want to generate a number or a string of digits (or letters) that I can “equate” to the above mentioned “seed” number. And I want the generated number or string to be different every time I “request” it. The key is that the newly generated number or string can be equated to the "seed" number. It can be "equated" via a formula or a function or whatever.
>
>I hope I am clear in my explanation.
>
>Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Dmitry,

I think Sergey's link is the best for what you are looking for, but, to answer (I hope!) your question, if you call Rand(382622) it will always return the same number, furthermore, all subsequent calls to rand() will follow the same pattern, for example:

? rand(382622) && 0.74
? rand() && .66
? rand() && .46
? rand() && .21
? rand(382622) && 0.74
? rand() && .66
? rand() && .46
? rand() && .21

And this will have the same values in any machine, AFAIK