First Generation of Computers (1942-1955)
The beginning of commercial computer age is from UNIVAC
(Universal Automatic Computer). It was developed by two scientists Mauchly and
Echert at the Census Department of United States in 1947. The first generation
computers were used during 1942-1955. They were based on vacuum tubes. Examples
of first generation computers are ENIVAC and UNIVAC-1.
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
millisecond.
Disadvantages
· The 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 capabilities.· 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 (1955-1964)
The second generation computers used transistors. The
scientists at Bell laboratories developed transistor in 1947. These scientists
include John Barden, William Brattain and William Shockley. The size of the
computers was decreased by replacing vacuum tubes with transistors. The examples
of second generation computers are IBM 7094 series, IBM 1400 series and CDC 164
etc.
Advantages
· Smaller in size as compared to the first generation computers.· The 2nd generation Computers were more reliable· Used less energy and were not heated.· Wider commercial use· Better portability as compared to the first generation computers.· Better speed and could calculate data in microseconds· Used faster peripherals like tape drives, magnetic disks, printer etc.· Used Assembly language instead of Machine language.· Accuracy improved.
Disadvantages
· Cooling system was required· Constant maintenance was required· Commercial production was difficult· Only used for specific purposes· Costly and not versatile· Puch cards were used for input.
Third Generation Computers (1964-1975)
The Third generation computers used the integrated circuits
(IC). Jack Kilby developed the concept of integrated circuit in 1958. It was an
important invention in the computer field. The first IC was invented and used
in 1961. The size of an IC is about ¼ square inch. A single IC chip may contain
thousands of transistors. The computer became smaller in size, faster, more
reliable and less expensive. The examples of third generation computers are IBM
370, IBM System/360, UNIVAC 1108 and UNIVAC AC 9000 etc.
Advantages
· Smaller in size as compared to previous generations.· More reliable.· Used less energy· Produced less heat as compared to the previous two generations of computers.· Better speed and could calculate data in nanoseconds.· Used fan for heat discharge to prevent damage.· Maintenance cost was low because hardware failure is reare.· Totally general purpose· Could be used for high-level languages.· Good storage· Versatile to an extent· Less expensive· Better accuracy· Commercial production increased.· Used mouse and keyboard for input.
Disadvantages
· Air conditioning was required.· Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips.
Fourth Generation Computers (1975-Present)
The fourth generation computers started with the invention
of Microprocessor. The Microprocessor contains thousands of ICs. Ted Hoff
produced the first microprocessor in 1971 for Intel. It was known as Intel
4004. The technology of integrated circuits improved rapidly. The LSI (Large Scale
Integration) circuit and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) circuit was
designed. It greatly reduced the size of computer. The size of modern
Microprocessors is usually one square inch. It can contain millions of
electronic circuits. The examples of fourth generation computers are Apple
Macintosh & IBM PC.
Advantages
· More powerful and reliable than previous generations.· Small in size· Fast processing power with less power consumption· Fan for heat discharging and thus to keep cold.· No air conditioning required.· Totally general purpose· Commercial production· Less need of repair.· Cheapest among all generations· All types of High level languages can be used in this type of computers
Disadvantages
· The latest technology is required for manufacturing of Microprocessors.
Fifth Generation Computers (Present & Beyond)
Scientists are working hard on the 5th generation computers
with quite a few breakthroughs. It is based on the technique of Artificial
Intelligence (AI). Computers can understand spoken words & imitate human
reasoning. Can respond to its surroundings using different types of sensors.
Scientists are constantly working to increase the processing power of
computers. They are trying to create a computer with real IQ with the help of
advanced programming and technologies. IBM Watson computeris one example that
outsmarts Harvard University Students. The advancement in modern technologies
will revolutionize the computer in future.
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