On this day in 1975, at a time when most Americans were using typewriters, childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft, a company that makes computer software. Originally based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Microsoft relocated to Washington State in 1979 and eventually grew into a major multinational technology corporation. See how your vocabulary skills compute today.
1. CD-ROM:
- computer data/read open monitor;
- compact data/random-only memory;
- compact disc/read-only memory;
- computer died – read our minds.
2. BASIC:
- Binary Assembler Sorting Instruction Computer;
- Bill’s Assembly Stack Instruction Code;
- Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code;
- Binary Assembly String Internet Code.
3. binary:
- consisting of distinct or unconnected elements;
- having or marked by two mutually repellent forces or diametrically opposed natures or views;
- consisting of only one in number;
- relating to, being, or belonging to a system of numbers having 2 as its base.
4. word:
- a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work;
- a unit of computer information or data-storage capacity that consists of a group of eight bits and that is used especially to represent an alphanumeric character;
- a unit of computer information equivalent to the result of a choice between two alternatives;
- a temporary storage unit.
5. hexadecimal:
- affected as if by an evil spell;
- of, relating to, or being a number system with a base of 16;
- evil or misfortune that comes as if in response to imprecation or as retribution;
- of, relating to, or being a number system with a base of 6.
6. MS-DOS:
- Microsoft Disk Operating System;
- Management System Disk Overwrite Software;
- Microsoft Data OnSite;
- Mediocrity Stays – Deliver Or Stagnate.
7. VoIP:
- Virtual or Independent Processor;
- Virtual office Internet Protocol;
- voice over internet protocol;
- Very old Interactive Program.
8. Boolean:
- a logical combinatorial system that represents symbolically relationships (as those implied by the logical operators AND, OR, and NOT) between entities (as sets, propositions, or on-off computer circuit elements);
- the quality, state, or capability of being connective or connected;
- a tree diagram which is used for making decisions in business or computer programming and in which the branches represent choices with associated risks, costs, results, or probabilities;
- well versed in computer use and technology.
9. Ethernet:
- an electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world;
- a computer network architecture consisting of various specified local-area network protocols, devices, and connection methods;
- a computer architecture in which a number of processors are interconnected in a manner suggestive of the connections between neurons in a human brain and which is able to learn by a process of trial and error;
- something that provides security against misfortune or difficulty.
10. bell curve:
- the symmetrical bell-shaped curve of a normal distribution;
- a curve describing the large market of mediocrity, which the makers of Windows have aspired to dominate;
- a graph of a Gaussian distribution, with a large rounded peak tapering away at each end;
- all of the above.
Correct answers:
1c; 2c; 3d; 4a; 5b; 6a; 7c; 8a; 9b; 10d
Figure your spot on the upgrade chart:
# Correct | Message |
All 10 | Your brain is right up to date. |
7-9 | You’re just a couple of versions behind. |
4-6 |
You’re way behind – better upgrade today. |
2-3 |
Just junk it and buy a new system. |
0-1 | No updates made since the seventies! |