Defining Moments

Test your knowledge of tech terms by guessing the following.

Only a few years back, when the vast majority of Internet users were still using dial-up connections to get online, it was all but impossible to make or receive a phone call while surfing the Web. Then broadband came along, and it became possible to use the phone at the same time you checked your e-mail. Next came this technology, which combined the two services. Now, your broadband connection can also be your phone line, meaning that you can call and surf simultaneously across the same cable. And you can get rid of your land line costs. What is the name of this technology?

Hint: It's commonly known by an acronym that doesn't stand for "very old intellectual property."

Answer: Voice over IP (VoIP).