Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

random numbers
     
        1.  {pseudorandom number}.
     
        2.  When one wishes to specify a large but random
        number of things, and the context is inappropriate for {N},
        certain numbers are preferred by hacker tradition (that is,
        easily recognised as placeholders).  These include the
        following:
     
        17 - Long described at MIT as "the least random number"; see
        23.
     
        23 - Sacred number of Eris, Goddess of Discord (along with 17
        and 5).
     
        42 - The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the
        Universe, and Everything, as revealed in Douglas Adams'
        "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxly".  Note that this answer is
        completely fortuitous :-) (US pronunciation).  It has been
        observed that in the little-used number base 13, the answer to
        the ultimate question, "What is 6 x 9?", is indeed 42, showing
        that in six dimensions white mice have 13 digits.
     
        69 - From the sexual act.  This one was favoured in {MIT}'s
        {ITS} culture.
     
        105 - 69 {hex} = 105 decimal and 69 decimal = 105 {octal}.
     
        666 - The Number of the Beast.
     
        For further enlightenment, study the "Principia Discordia",
        "The Joy of Sex", and the Christian Bible (Revelation 13:18).
     
        See also {Discordianism} or consult your pineal gland.  See
        also {for values of}.
     
        (1997-02-10)