Final answer:
The number of passwords a modern desktop computer can generate per second depends on the CPU's power, password complexity, and other hardware specifics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding how many passwords a modern desktop computer can generate per second falls under the realm of Computers and Technology. While the original statement about Pentium chips executing more than 100 million instructions per second provides a glimpse into the capability of a CPU, it does not directly translate to password generation rates, which are influenced by many factors such as the complexity of the password algorithm, system architecture, and more.
If we consider a simple password hashing scenario, as an example, a modern desktop computer with a powerful CPU and optimized software could potentially try millions of password combinations per second when attempting to crack a password using brute-force methods. However, the exact number can vary widely based on the specific circumstances and the desktop's hardware configuration.
For instance, if you have a modern desktop with a high-end processor, it might be capable of generating a significantly larger number of passwords per second compared to a desktop with a less powerful processor.
Moreover, advancements in technology such as the development of specialized hardware like GPUs or FPGAs can further accelerate password generation and cracking processes, often reaching billions of attempts per second. Therefore, while the Pentium chip's computational capacity is impressive, password generation rates are a separate consideration.