FAQ is an abbreviation for "Frequently Asked Question(s)". The term refers to listed questions and answers, all supposed to be frequently asked in some context, and pertaining to a particular topic. Since the acronym originated in textual media, its pronunciation varies; both "fak" and "F.A.Q." are commonly heard (and therefore, when used with an indefinite article, it is either "a FAQ" or "an FAQ"). Depending on usage, the term may refer specifically to a single frequently-asked question, or to an assembled list of many questions and their answers. An alternative suggestion is that FAQ is actually a clumsily-constructed three letter acronym purported to have come from computer IT specialists, frustrated with answering over and over again the same, perceived stupid questions from computer users, and which secretly stands for the pronunciation "fah-queue". For example: "Please read the FAQ list to ensure your question has not already been answered before bothering the overworked IT department".

Origins

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While the name may be recent, the FAQ format itself is quite old. For instance, Matthew Hopkins wrote The Discovery of Witches in 1647 in FAQ format. He introduces it as "Certaine Queries answered," ... Many old catechisms are in a question and answer format.

More on [ FAQ ]

eWeek - RSS Feeds

Enterprises Tap Open Source via Eclipse
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:12:09 -0400
Enterprise organizations are tapping the benefits not only of using open-source software, but of contributing to it by using the Eclipse model. The Eclipse Swordfish, Tigerstripe, Open Financial Market Platform and Open System Engineering Environment projects are all based on code contributed by enterprises that use open-source technology. - As an indication that the open-source model is beginning to mature and move beyond just ISVs and into the enterprise, Eclipse Foundation leaders say a new trend in Eclipse indicates that enterprises are beginning to develop and contribute code to Eclipse projects. This means the promise and prin...
Worm on NASA Space Station Underscores Spread of Online Gaming Threats
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:11:26 -0400
Researchers at McAfee and anti-virus vendor ESET have found virtual gaming threats are on the rise. Recent reports of the discovery of a password-stealing worm targeted at online gamers aboard the International Space Station underscore the prevalence of the problem. NASA has said no mission-critical systems were affected by the worm's presence. - A laptop and an affinity for online gaming that may have been all it took to introduce a cyber-security threat to a space station. Though NASA spokesperson Kelly Humphries remained unwilling Aug. 29 to officially confirm the nature of the worm detected on laptops at the International Space Stati...
Microsoft Buys Ciao.com to Boost E-Shopping Search
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:59:20 -0400
In a bid to boost its Internet search and e-commerce business in Europe, Microsoft agrees to buy Greenfield Online, owner of popular European price comparison Web site ciao.com, for about $486 million. - By Georgina Prodhan LONDON (Reuters) - Microsoft has agreed to buy Greenfield Online, owner of popular European price comparison website ciao.com, for about $486 million to boost its Internet search and e-commerce business in Europe. Microsoft, whose $47.5 billion bid to buy Yahoo earlier this...
Malaysia Internet Ban on Anti-Government Web Site Draws Outcry
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:02:11 -0400
Malaysia has pulled the plug on a popular news portal often critical of the government, sparking protests from a resurgent opposition. Malaysia's telecoms watchdog ordered Internet providers to block access to the Malaysia Today (www.malaysia-today.net) Web site because it posted comments that could incite the country's multiracial society, a government official said on Friday. Home (Interior) Minister Syed Hamid said Malaysia Today's editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin had ignored warnings from the watchdog to abide by the law. - KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia has pulled the plug on a popular news portal often critical of the government, sparking protests from a resurgent opposition. Malaysia's telecoms watchdog ordered Internet providers to block access to Malaysia Today (www.malaysia-today.net) Web site because it ...
Comcast to Throttle Cable Internet Customers' Broadband Network Usage
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:00:16 -0400
Comcast, the largest U.S. cable network infrastructure operator, said, Aug. 28 it will cap customers' Internet usage starting Oct. 1 in a bid to ensure the best service for the vast majority of its subscribers. Comcast customers who top 250 GB in a month - the equivalent of 50 million e-mails or 124 standard-definition movies - twice in a six-month timeframe could have service terminated for a year. - SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Comcast Corp, the largest U.S. cable operator, said on Thursday it will cap customers' Internet usage starting Oct. 1, in a bid to ensure the best service for the vast majority of its subscribers. Comcast said it was setting a monthly data usage threshold of 250 gigaby...
MySpace Overtakes Yahoo in Display Ad Views, Closes AOL and MSN
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:47:59 -0400
Yahoo lost its lead of the U.S. market for online display advertising to MySpace and its parent company News Corp's Fox Interactive Media and MySpace. Fox Interactive's collection of sites, led by MySpace, drew 56.8 billion advertising views in June, compared with Yahoo's group of sites which had 53.1 billion, according to data from Web audience measurement firm comScore this week. A MySpace executive said it is closing the gap with rivals such as Yahoo, Time Warner's AOL and Microsoft's MSN after the revamp of its home page in June, which has drawn in big-name sponsors such as Sprint and Wendy's. - SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Yahoo Inc has lost its lead of the U.S. market for online display advertising to MySpace and its parent company News Corp's Fox Interactive Media and MySpace, new industry data shows. Fox Interactive's collection of sites, led by MySpace, drew 56.8 billion advertising ...

The Seattle Times: Business & Technology

Machinists leadership says Boeing's last, best offer isn't good enough
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:23:06 -0700
IAM leaders recommending members go out on strike
Microsoft buys shopping site to boost Web search in Europe
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Microsoft is buying a Munich, Germany-based Web comparison shopping site and its parent company for about $486 million in cash. The software giant says...
Consumer spending slows as incomes drop
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Consumer spending slowed to a crawl and personal incomes plunged in July, reflecting the waning impact of $93 billion in economic stimulus...

NYT > Technology

Internet Traffic Begins to Bypass the U.S.
Sat, 30 Aug 2008 03:14:33 -0000
The increasing flow of data around the United States may have intelligence, and possibly military, consequences.
With Software, Till Tampering Is Hard to Find
Sat, 30 Aug 2008 03:20:47 -0000
Thanks to a software program called a zapper, even technologically illiterate restaurant and store owners can siphon cash from registers and cheat tax officials.
Comcast to Place a Cap on Internet Downloads
Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:58:30 -0000
Comcast, one of the country’s largest Internet providers, will put a 250 gigabyte-a-month cap on residential users, a move certain to create tension.

CNN.com - Technology

Apple fans loyal through it all
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:35:31 -0400
Read full story for latest details.
Web surfing without leaving a trace
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:13:39 -0400
Read full story for latest details.
How flies avoid 'swatter threat'
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:49:23 -0400
Flies always appear to be a step ahead of the swatter. And now scientists believe they know why.

NPR Topics: Technology

GeoEye-1 Will Be A High-Res Eye In The Sky
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:29:00 -0400
The GeoEye-1 satellite will be capable of making out details on Earth just 16 inches across. It will be the highest resolution satellite run by a private company; it's images will be marketed to a range of governments and private customers.
Obama Uses Text Messaging With Eye On Nov. 4
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:22:00 -0400
The Obama campaign has used text messaging to communicate with its supporters. Andrew Rasiej, founder of TechPresident, a blog that focuses on technology and the presidential campaigns, says the cell phone numbers can be used to get out the vote on Nov. 4.
'Marketplace' Report: Relief For Porn Addicts
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400
In the newest test version of Microsoft's forthcoming Internet Explorer, consumers will have the option to surf without a "history." There are benefits to this feature beyond just prolonging marriages.

BBC News | Technology | UK Edition

Ofcom seeks help on mobile rules
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:02:34 -0000
Mobile owners with views on the state of the telephony market are being sought by regulator Ofcom.
Hackers prepare supermarket sweep
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:06:37 -0000
Cyber thieves are hatching a plan to steal US funds through British supermarkets, the BBC learns.
Chemical coat to mean drier socks
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:28:11 -0000
Technology developed to protect soldiers from chemical weapons may help to make almost any surface or fabric waterproof.

Reuters Video: Technology

Reuters Technology Week
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:42:18 -0400
Aug. 28 - The latest in food-fuel and new technology helps decipher the Dead Sea scrolls.
Sony launches thinnest LCD TV
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:56:08 -0400
Aug 28 - The Bravia ZX1 measuring 9.9 millimetres deep is one example of the evolution of flat panel TVs being revealed at the Berlin IFA trade fair.
Seals star on own web site
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:37:09 -0400
Aug. 26 - New technology is giving scientists and wildlife fans the chance to observe one of Lake Baikal's shyest inhabitants, the 'nerpa' seal as it is known locally.

AP Top Technology News At 11:27 p.m. EDT

FAA outage reveals odd computing practices
By JOELLE TESSLER and JORDAN ROBERTSON Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:09:08 -0000
WASHINGTON (AP) -- When a computer glitch at a Federal Aviation Administration center caused widespread airline delays this week, it served as a reminder that the U.S. flight system is waiting for a modernizing overhaul. But it also appears the FAA's management of its existing technologies falls short of standards in other vital sectors....
Soft economy speeds newspaper decline, job cuts
By ANICK JESDANUN Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:19:53 -0000
NEW YORK (AP) -- The newspaper industry's downward spiral is accelerating as the weak U.S. economy depresses already-tumbling advertising revenue and forces more rounds of job cuts and other trims....
Phone companies prepare backup plans for Gustav
By PETER SVENSSON Sat, 30 Aug 2008 03:27:06 -0000
NEW YORK (AP) -- The hurricane bearing down on the Gulf Coast could be a test for the country's wireless carriers, which faced criticism and a regulatory push after Hurricane Katrina took out networks....

CNET News.com

Audio slideshow: Video game orchestra
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:19:00 -0700
In this audio slideshow, a symphony orchestra takes us on a trip down memory lane playing some of the most dynamic video game music written to date.
Intel acquires Linux mobile developers for Atom
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:11:01 -0700
The chip giant has acquired open-source mobile specialist Opened Hand, which will now focus on developing a Linux software stack for Atom processors.
Few tech tracks for McCain's VP pick
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:09:00 -0700
It's not surprising that Gov. Sarah Palin is a little-known quantity when it comes to tech policy and renewable energy, given Alaska's absence of a big tech industry.

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