http://trivial.net Computer and Tech Trivia for Geeks Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:00:36 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Question: In predicting the way things will soon be in the computing world, who said: "You turn on your network computer, [the software] shows up. There is no store to go to. There is no installation." Larry Ellison Bill Gates Gil Amilio Steve Wozniak Answer: Larry Ellison http://trivial.net/2008/07/19/someday/ Question: A 1995 poll asked engineers to vote for their favorite movies that have engineers as lead characters, or that have substantial engineering related content. Of the following four movies, which was top-rated by the engineers? Star Trek: Generations Jurassic Park The China Syndrome Apollo 13 Answer: Apollo 13 http://trivial.net/2008/07/18/super-nerd/ Question: What was the first airline to let travelers make reservations directly on the Internet? Hawaii Airlines Southwest Airlines Alaska Airlines American Airlines Answer: Alaska Airlines http://trivial.net/2008/07/17/have-you-seen-my-luggage/ Question: Who said the following: [In the beginning] DOS to me was worse than the most difficult foreign language, and though I wanted to learn it, I just couldn't hack it… Then I bought an Apple computer. [Today] I am a convert to the computer. It has become a ... http://trivial.net/2008/07/16/its-all-greek/ Question: In CVAX, the microprocessor chip used in DEC's Micro VAX II, a message appeared inscribed in the uppermost metal layer of the silicon saying "VAX, when you care enough to steal the very best." In what language was it written? Chinese Russian German Greek Answer: Russian There was a suspicion at the time ... http://trivial.net/2008/07/15/not-a-free-sample/ Question: In what year did Claude Shannon first show that electronic switching circuits can perform logical operations? 1932 1936 1938 1942 Answer: 1938 http://trivial.net/2008/07/14/thats-a-switch/ Question: In e-mail shorthand, what does F2F stand for? Answer: face-to-face a personal meeting http://trivial.net/2008/07/13/lol/ Question: What computer luminary once built a kiss-measuring machine, or osculometer? J. Presper Eckert Steve Jobs Charles Babbage? Bill Gates Answer: J. Presper Eckert http://trivial.net/2008/07/12/kiss-it-goodbye/ Question: Today's cellular phones give computer users wireless access to online services. The first cellular phone service began in Chicago in what year? 1978 1981 1983 1985 Answer: 1983 October 1983 http://trivial.net/2008/07/11/can-you-hear-me-now-2/ Question: In 1954 George Devol patented something that eventually gave rise to the industrial robot. What? a robot arm a robot head with electronic eyes a robot that could play checkers a small vacuum cleaner Answer: a robot arm http://trivial.net/2008/07/10/i-robot-2/