Understanding the Internet Quiz

When did the story of the Internet begin?

• 1950s

• 1960s

• 1970s

• 1980s

Answer explanation

The story of the Internet began in the 1960s with the development of ARPANET, the first network to implement the protocol suite TCP/IP, which laid the foundation for modern Internet communication.

What was the main reason the U.S. government wanted a communication network during the Cold War?

• To improve international trade

• To enhance social media

• To ensure communication in case of a nuclear attack

• To develop video games

Answer explanation

The U.S. government prioritized a communication network during the Cold War primarily to ensure effective communication in the event of a nuclear attack, which was a significant concern during this tense period.

What was the name of the project started by the U.S. government in 1969?

• Internet Explorer

• ARPANET

• World Wide Web

• Google

Answer explanation

The project started by the U.S. government in 1969 was ARPANET, which laid the groundwork for the modern Internet. Internet Explorer, World Wide Web, and Google were developed later.

How many computers were initially connected by ARPANET?

• Two

• Three

• Four

• Five

Answer explanation

ARPANET, the precursor to the internet, initially connected four computers: UCLA, Stanford Research Institute, UC Santa Barbara, and the University of Utah. Thus, the correct answer is four.

In the 1970s, what network was used to send the very first email?

• Internet

• ARPANET

• Ethernet

• Intranet

Answer explanation

The first email was sent over ARPANET, the precursor to the modern Internet, in the early 1970s. ARPANET was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense and was the first network to implement the packet switching concept.

What is the name of the set of rules created for computers to communicate with each other?

• Algorithms

• Protocols

• Codes

• Scripts

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Protocols' because they are the set of rules that govern how computers communicate with each other over networks, ensuring data is transmitted accurately and efficiently.

Which protocol, still used today, allows computers to communicate across the Internet?

• HTTP

• FTP

• TCP/IP

• SMTP

Answer explanation

TCP/IP is the fundamental protocol suite that enables communication over the Internet. While HTTP, FTP, and SMTP are specific protocols that operate on top of TCP/IP, it is TCP/IP that underpins all Internet communication.

What was one of the first commercially successful home computers sold as a kit in 1975?

• IBM PC

• Apple II

• Altair 8800

• Commodore 64

Answer explanation

The Altair 8800, released in 1975, was one of the first commercially successful home computers sold as a kit, paving the way for the personal computer revolution. The other options came later.

What significant change occurred in ARPANET in 1983?

• It was shut down permanently.

• It switched to using TCP/IP as its standard protocol.

• It became exclusive to military use.

• It was renamed to the World Wide Web.

Answer explanation

In 1983, ARPANET transitioned to using TCP/IP as its standard protocol, marking a pivotal moment in networking that laid the foundation for the modern Internet. This change enabled diverse networks to interconnect seamlessly.

Who started connecting to ARPANET in the 1980s?

• Only military personnel

• Only government officials

• Universities, research centers, scientists, students, and regular people

• Only private companies

Answer explanation

In the 1980s, ARPANET expanded beyond military and government use, allowing universities, research centers, scientists, students, and even regular people to connect, fostering a broader academic and public engagement with the network.