what is Generations of Computer
February 10, 2019
Generations of Computer
The development of electronic computers can divide into generators depending upon etc technologies used. Different generation of computers are as follows.
The development of electronic computers can divide into generators depending upon etc technologies used. Different generation of computers are as follows.
- • First generation
- 1942-1955
- In Vacuum tube
- 1955-1964
- In Transistor
- • Third generation
- 1964-1975
- In Integrated Circuits
- • Fourth generation
- 1975-present
- In Microprocessor
- • Fifth generation
- Present
- Artificial intelligence
First Generation
Computers
The beginning of commercial computer age is from UNIVAC
(Universal Automatic
Computer). It was developed by two Scientific MAUCHLY and
ECHERT at the Census
Of United states in 1917. The first generation computers
were used during 1942-
1955. They were on vacuum Example of first generation
computers are Enivac and Univac etc.
Advantages
- • Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available during those days.
- • Vacuum tube technology made possible to make electronic digital computers.
- • These computers could calculate data in milliseconds.
Disadvantages
- 2 These computers were very large in size.
- • They consumed a large amount of energy.
- • They heated very soon due to thousands of vacuum tubes
- • They were not very reliable.
- • Air conditioning was required
- • Constant maintenance was required
- • Non-portable
- • Costly commercial production
- • Limited commercial use
- • Very slow speed
- • Limited programming
- • Used Machine language only
- • Used magnetic drums which provide very less data storage
- • Used punch cards for input
- • Not versatile and very faulty
Second Generation
Computers
The second generation computers used transistors. The
scientists of bell. Laboratories developed transistor in
1947. These
scientists include John Bardeen, William Brattain and
William
Shockley. The size of the computer was decreased by
replacing
vacuum tubes with transistors. The examples Of
computers are IBM 7094 series, IBM 1400 series and CDC 164
etc.
Advantages
- • Smaller in size as compared to first generation computers
- • More reliable
- • Used less energy and were not heated
- • Wider commercial use
- • Better portability
- • Better speed and could calculate data in microseconds
- • Used faster peripherals like tape drives, magnetic disks, printer
- • Used Assembly language instead of Machine language
• Accuracy improved
Disadvantages
- •Air conditioning was required
- •Constant maintenance was required
- •Commercial production was difficult
- •Only used for specific purposes
- •Costly and not versatile
- •Punch cards were used for input