Instant Messaging — Questions and answers

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What was Jarkko Oikarinen's big idea to help people talk to each other?

Choices

  1. A. A new way to send letters in the mail.
  2. B. A system to make phone calls cheaper.
  3. C. A system to connect people and groups instantly across networks. ✓
  4. D. A better way to send emails.

Answer: C. A system to connect people and groups instantly across networks.

From page 1

What is 'packet switching,' a key technology for instant messaging?

Choices

  1. A. Breaking data into small 'packets' that travel independently and then reassemble. ✓
  2. B. Sending all the data at once through a single wire.
  3. C. Turning on and off a light switch very quickly.
  4. D. Sticking small labels on packages before mailing them.

Answer: A. Breaking data into small 'packets' that travel independently and then reassemble.

From page 2

What was the name of the system Jarkko Oikarinen created for many people to chat together from different places?

Choices

  1. A. The 'talk' command
  2. B. Zephyr
  3. C. Internet Relay Chat (IRC) ✓
  4. D. Email service

Answer: C. Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

From page 4

What two important new ideas did ICQ introduce that made instant messaging easier for everyone?

Choices

  1. A. Text-only messages and command-line typing.
  2. B. A 'buddy list' and 'presence detection'. ✓
  3. C. Sending messages through the postal service.
  4. D. Very long, formal messages and dedicated phone lines.

Answer: B. A 'buddy list' and 'presence detection'.

From page 6

What deeply human need did instant messaging help to fulfill?

Choices

  1. A. The need to send fewer messages.
  2. B. The need to wait a long time for answers.
  3. C. The need for immediate connection with others. ✓
  4. D. The need to only talk to people in the same room.

Answer: C. The need for immediate connection with others.

From page 8

What new style of communication became common with instant messaging?

Choices

  1. A. Very long, formal essays.
  2. B. Abbreviations, emoticons, and an informal, quick way of talking. ✓
  3. C. Only using full sentences and perfect grammar.
  4. D. Relying only on physical letters for all messages.

Answer: B. Abbreviations, emoticons, and an informal, quick way of talking.

From page 9

What is the main legacy of early instant messaging platforms?

Choices

  1. A. They are completely forgotten and not used today.
  2. B. They only led to the creation of email.
  3. C. They laid the important groundwork for almost all modern digital communication. ✓
  4. D. They made communication much slower and harder.

Answer: C. They laid the important groundwork for almost all modern digital communication.

From page 10