Introduction:
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.
Nowadays, a computer can type documents, send an email, play games, and browse the Web. It can also be used to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos. But the evolution of this complex system started around 1940 with the First Generation of computers and evolving ever since.
There are five generations of computers.
Introduction:
1946-1959 is the period of first-generation computers.
J.P.Eckert and J.W.Mauchy invented the first successful electronic computer called ENIAC, ENIAC stands for “Electronic Numeric Integrated And Calculator.”
Few Examples are:
ENIAC
ADVANCE
UNIVAC
IBM-701
IBM-650
Advantages:
It made use of vacuum tubes which are the only electronic component available during those days.
These computers could calculate in milliseconds.
Disadvantages:
These were very big in size; the weight was about 30 tons.
These computers were based on vacuum tubes.
These computers were very costly.
It could store only a small amount of information due to the presence of magnetic drums.
As the invention of first-generation computers involves vacuum tubes, so another disadvantage of these computers was, vacuum tubes require a large cooling system.
Very less work efficiency.
Limited programming capabilities and punch cards were used to take inputs.
A large amount of energy consumption.
Introduction:
1959-1965 is the period of the second-generation computer.
Not reliable and constant maintenance is required.
3. Second-generation computers were based on Transistors instead of vacuum tubes.
Few Examples are:
Honeywell 400
IBM 7094
CDC 1604
CDC 3600
UNIVAC 1108
Advantages:
Due to the presence of transistors instead of vacuum tubes, the size of the electron component decreased. This resulted in reducing the size of a computer as compared to first-generation computers.
Less energy and not produce as much heat as the first generation.
Assembly language and punch cards were used for input.
Low cost than first-generation computers.
Better speed, calculate data in microseconds.
Better portability as compared to first-generation
Disadvantages:
A cooling system was required.
Constant maintenance was required.
Only used for specific purposes.
Introduction:
1965-1971 is the period of third-generation computers.
These computers were based on Integrated circuits.
IC was invented by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby In 1958-1959.
IC was a single component containing several transistors.
Few Examples are:
PDP-8
PDP-11
ICL 2900
IBM 360
IBM 370
Advantages:
These computers were cheaper as compared to second-generation computers.
They were fast and reliable.
The use of IC in the computer provides the small size of the computer.
IC not only reduces the size of the computer, but it also improves the computer's performance compared to previous computers.
This generation of computers has a big storage capacity.
Instead of punch cards, a mouse and keyboard are used for input.
They used an operating system for better resource management and used the concept of time-sharing and multiple programming.
These computers reduce the computational time from microseconds to nanoseconds.
Disadvantages:
IC chips are difficult to maintain.
The highly sophisticated technology is required for the manufacturing of IC chips.
Air conditioning is required.
Introduction:
1971-1980 is the period of the fourth-generation computer.
This technology is based on Microprocessor.
A microprocessor is used in a computer to perform any logical and arithmetic function in any program.
Graphics User Interface (GUI) technology was exploited to offer more comfort to users.
Few Examples are:
IBM 4341
DEC 10
STAR 1000
PUP 11
Advantages:
Fastest in computation and size get reduced as compared to the previous generation of computers.
The heat generated is negligible.
Small in size as compared to previous generation computers.
Less maintenance is required.
All types of high-level language can be used in this type of computer.
Disadvantages:
The Microprocessor design and fabrication are very complex.
Air conditioning is required in many cases due to the presence of.
Advanced technology is required to make the ICs.
Introduction:
The period of the fifth generation in 1980-onwards.
This generation is based on artificial intelligence.
The fifth generation aims to make a device that could respond to natural language input and learn and self-organization.
This generation is based on ULSI(Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in microprocessor chips having ten million electronic components.
Few Examples are:
Desktop
Laptop
NoteBook
UltraBook
Chromebook
Advantages:
It is more reliable and works faster.
It is available in different sizes and has unique features.
It provides computers with more user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features.
Disadvantages:
They need very low-level languages.
They may make the human brain dull and doomed.
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