Answer key: You don’t know tech

Now that you know how you scored, you probably want to know why. Check out the answers below for the gory details. And be sure to return next week for another news quiz, ripped straight from the tech headlines.

Question 1: What major U.S. airline won’t yet let you surf the friendly skies?

10 points

c. United Airlines

Virgin America already offers an onboard Wi-Fi network on many flights, while American, Alaska, and JetBlue have all announced (ahem) pilot Net programs, with the hopes of broadening access in 2008. Now, about those honey roasted nuts….

Question 2: On what remote Caribbean Isle did Larry Page get hitched?

10 points

b. Necker

The 74-acre island is owned by Virgin Group baron Richard Branson, who also served as best man. Captain Jack Sparrow was apparently in attendance, but Mary Ann and Ginger couldn’t make it.

Question 3: What was Internet Explorer 8 almost going to be called?

10 points

d.All of the above

Microsoft wasn’t really considering calling it Online Web Browser Live Professional or those other silly names. But after Bill Gates accidentally spilled the beans about the new browser, IE General Manager Dean Hachamovitch posted a droll blog entry spinning out alternate naming schemes. Our personal favorite: Ie^2.079 for Math Majors.

Question 4: What Net acronym is Fark trying to call its own?

10 points

b. NSFW

Which, of course, stands for “Not Safe For Work.” Master Farker Drew Curtis has yet to reveal what’s motivating the trademark pursuit, but he’s certainly got the blogosphere’s attention. As for answers c and d, well, IMHO they’re definitely NSFW.

Question 5: Who remains untainted in the options backdating scandal?

10 points

d. Steve Jobs, savior CEO of Apple

Brocade’s Greg Reyes and Stephanie Jensen have been convicted of criminal charges and await sentencing, while Maxim’s Gifford agreed to pay a civil fine of $800,000. Jobs has been subpoenaed in the probe, which is focusing on Apple’s former general counsel and CFO. So no need to cash out your Apple stock — yet, anyway.

Question 6: What is Ask.com calling its new search privacy tool?

10 points

c. AskEraser

The tool will erase not only your search terms but also your IP address and user IDs within hours of making a search. It will not, however, whisk away lipstick stains or ring around the collar.

Question 7: What was CompUSA originally called?

10 points

b. Soft Warehouse

The troubled chain, which changed its name to CompUSA in 1991, couldn’t keep up with big box stores like Best Buy and Circuit City. At its height, CompUSA operated more than 200 superstores nationwide. We’re sure somebody will miss them.

Question 8: What tech term has been benighted by Merriam-Webster?

10 points

b. w00t

The winning entry, chosen by visitors to M-W’s site, means “expressing joy or triumph” (woot!) and is popular with online gamers. Runners-up include Pecksniffian (“unctuously hypercritical”) and Blamestorm. Not to be too Pecksniffian, but … say w00t?

Question 9: Who’s suddenly big into social networks?

10 points

d. Penthouse Media

The once-bankrupt Penthouse laid down more than $500 million for Various Inc., which operates more than two dozen social networking/dating sites, including Adult Friend Finder and spiritual dating site BigChurch.com. Heaven help us.

Question 10: Whom did the U.K. music royalty police bust?

10 points

c. Schoolchildren, for singing Christmas carols

5 points

a. Kitchen employees, for playing a radio audible to customers

The historic Dam House in Astley was fined roughly $1,000 for allowing children to sing copyrighted Christmas carols in its tearoom. But give yourself partial credit if you answered a — the PRS issued a $500 fine to the Dam House’s kitchen staff last year for playing the radio too loud. And you thought the RIAA was evil.

Ready for more? Take another stab at this week’s quiz, or quizzes past:

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