I recall a proposal to save a near-the-end Lucas Test value, which would allow a quick probable-up-or-down check by repeating the last several steps. The notion is that it's hard to fake this by working backwards a few steps. Rich ----- Forwarded message from rjbaillie@frii.com ----- Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:22:32 -0400 From: Robert Baillie <rjbaillie@frii.com> Reply-To: Robert Baillie <rjbaillie@frii.com> Subject: possible new mersenne prime To: Richard Schroeppel <rcs@CS.Arizona.EDU> hi rich, i just happened to look at the site yesterday: www.mersenne.org bob --- 45th Known Mersenne Prime Found??? On August 23rd, a computer reported finding a new Mersenne prime to the server! Because I was on vacation, verification did not begin until the 26th. Two verification runs are in progress. Estimated completion is September 12th and September 16th. Check back here for updates! ----- End forwarded message -----