DEFINITION OF TERMS

 Refers to stages through which computers developed from the 1940s to

date
 The Evolution of Computers is absolute since the digital Realm is highly
dynamic not static.
 Due to Technological changes, Versions of Computers began to vary time
to time that’s why we have different stages of Computer Development .
 Every Generation of Computers brought new characteristics, unique
features like size, processor capabilities, Power consumption etc.
FIRST GENERATION COMPUTERS(1945-
1955)

 These are the earliest computers that used valves OR Vacuum tubes in
Controlling Machines for Example EDVAC,ACE and UNIVAC machines.
 EDVAC-Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer ”this was the earliest
stored Program computers Developed by the US army in 1940s
 ACE-Automatic Computing Engine “was developed by British in 1940s and it
was one of the First Electronic computers that could perform Complex
Mathematical Computations.
 UNIVAC-Universal Automatic Computer ,was commercially produced in US by
Remington Rand in 1951.It was used by Government agencies for variety
purposes.
 The input to system was based on punched cards and paper tape, output was
displayed in form of printouts only
Diagram Showing Vacuum Tubes
CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRST
GENERATION COMPUTERS

I. They were very large computers, fitting about the size of an average
room.
II. They were Programmed in Machine Language-Binaries(ones and zeros)
III. Slow in Processing Speed
IV. They used a lot of Electricity
V. Expensive to buy and use
VI. They Produced a lot of heat when running.
EXAMPLE OF FISRT GENERATION
COMPUTER
Advantages of First Generation
Computers

 Pioneering Technology :These were the First electronic digital Computers Developed
,making a significant Advancement in Computing
 Improved Data Storage :The use of magnetic Drums for memory allowed for improved
data Storage ,enabling these computers to handle more Complex tasks.
 Large Scale Calculations :These Computers were capable of performing large-scale
Calculations, which was a major advancement in Computational capability
 Reliability :Despite their Limitations, first Generation Computers were Considered reliable
for the tasks they were designed to perform, contributing to their widespread use in
various field.
 Specialized Application : These Computers were used for specialized applications, such
as scientific and military purpose, demonstrating their adaptability in various fields.
Disadvantages of First Generation
Computers

1. First Generation Computers were very large in size, often occupying entire
rooms due to the use of vacuum tubes.
2. Cost :The Cost of the first generation Computers was very high ,making them
accessible only to large organization and institutions
3. Reliability :They were not reliable and required constant maintenance , with
frequent failures of vacuum tubes leading to downtime and maintenance
Costs
4. Limited Speed and Memory :These Computers had limited Speed and memory
Capacity, which restricted their overall performance and Capability.
5. Energy Consumption and Heat :These computers consumed a large amount
of energy and generated significant heat due to the thousands of vacuums
they used
SECOND GENERATION
COMPUTERS(1955-1965)

 These are computers that used transistors instead of valves.

 They are the Second Generation generations of computers with only few
changes or upgrades from first Computer Generation that used valves.
 They resulted in key improvements in computer design
Characteristics Of Second Generation
Computers

 They were faster than first generation Computers

 They were small in size as compared to First Generation
 They were cheap to build and a number companies were able to built
them
 Conduct Electricity Faster
 Gave off virtually no heat
A Simple Diagram for a Transistor
Transistors in detail

 They have two key properties

 1.they can amplify an electrical signal
 2.they can switch on and off, letting current through or blocking it as
necessary
Storage Advances

 Had the ability to store its usage instructions in its memory, which had
advanced from magnetic drum to magnetic core technology
 This marked the beginning of more streamlined user friendly technology
advances and the advanced memory storage capacity we use today
Diagram for second Generation
Computers
Advantages of Second Generation
Computers

 They were cheap as compared to first computer Generation

 They were a bit faster than Earliest Generation(first)
 less heat were produced when running systems
 Occupies small storage space than Valves and Vacuums
 Smaller in size
 Durable and less prone to failure than vacume tubes
 Reduced power consumption
 Enhanced portability
 Wider commercial use
Disadvantages of Second Generation
Computers

 The Input and Output media were not improved to a considerable Extent
 Required to be placed in air conditioned places
 Special Purpose Computers and Could execute only specific applications
 The Cost of these computers was very high and they were beyond reach
of home users
 Constant maintance to ensure optimal performance and reability
 Speciific purpose usage –they were primary used for specific tasks, limiting
their versatility for broader computing needs
Third Generation Computers(1965-
1980)

 This is the Third generation of Computers where These used Integrated

Circuits for example the IMB Computers.
 IMB Means International Business Machines
 The Integrated circuit ,also referred to as to as semi Conductor chip,
packs a huge number of transistors onto a single water of Silicon.
Example Of Integrated Circuit
Characteristics Of Third Generation
Computers

 These Computers have

 Increased processing Speed(could carry billions of instructions in billion
seconds)
 Lowered Cost and easy to built
 They were Smaller than both First and Second Generation Computers
 High level of programming language
Example Of Third Generation
Computer

 Diagram
Advantages Of Third Generation
Computers

 Were fast in processing Speed than The earliest Generations

 Were Cheap to buy and build
 Lowed Power Consumption
 They had improved memory Capacity for the storage of files and Programs
 They were capable for multi-tasking , allowing them to execute multiple
process simultaneously.
 They equipped with Operating Systems, making them more user friendly
and efficient in managing tasks.
Disadvantages of Third Computer
Generation

 Expensive :They were relatively expensive , limiting their accessibility to

larger organizations and Institutions
 Large Size :Despite being smaller than previous generations, third
generation computers were still large and not portable.
 Limited Storage Capacity :They had limited storage capacity, which
could be a constrain for certain Computational Tasks.
 Power Consumption : These computers Consumed a significant amount of
power ,contributing to operational cost and environmental Impacts
 Complex Manufacturing :The manufacturing process of Integrated Circuits
used in third generation Computers was complicated and expensive
Fourth Generation Computers(1980-
1990)

 The Fourth Generation Computers used microprocessors and

Concentrated on miniaturization of high processing components
 Microprocessor-This is an electronic cheap inside a computer responsible
for data processing
 Fourth Generations Computers are Grouped into Mainframe ,mini , micro
and super Computers ,Depending on their sizes, capabilities and memory
size
Micro-processor

 Diagram
Diagram Showing Fourth Generation
Computers
Advantages Of Fourth Computer
Generation

 These are more reliable computers widely used in day to day activities
 They are very fast in processing Speed as compared to other Generations
 They are Capable for multiple functions depending with the category
 Uses Low Electricity
 Low electricity shows that Fourth Computer generations are cheap
 Forth Generation Computers are capable for multi-tasking allowing more
than one task to be executed.
 They were developed to meet general demands of the majority therefore
they can perform more than one specific task in different fields.
Disadvantages of Forth Generation
Computers

 Dependence On Electricity :Forth Generation Computers were dependent

on electricity for operation.
 Cost :The cost for forth Generation Computers was a potential
Disadvantage ,although they were cheaper than previous generations.
Software Installation is a matter of Concern.
 Complexity :These computers were not easy to use due to modern
technology used by that time
 Limited Battery life :The limited battery life of these Computers could
restrict their portability and usage in environments without consistent
power supply.
Fifth Generation Computers(1990 to
date and Beyond)

 These use natural language and can flexibly interact with human being
 Such systems are used in Medical diagnosis, mineral Prospecting and
Geological Researches.
 Such Computers are capable of human Intelligence and are commonly
called Expert Systems.
 These computers use programming languages such as python,C# and
Java as Input Methods.
 These Computers are Dependable and they employ ULSI Technology.
 ULSI Stands for Ultra Large Scale Integration)
Example of fifth generation
Computers
Advantages of the fifth Computer
Generation

 They are Quicker than its forerunners in Processing Speed

 They Frequently Feature more than one processor
 They Have bigger Memory Capabilities
 They perform more complicated task like AI and Expert Systems
 Multi-tasking : These computers are capable to execute many task at the
same time.
Disadvantages of Fifth Generation
Computers

 Ethical Concerns :The advancement of artificial Intelligence in the firth

generation Computers raises ethical Concerns Related to privacy and job
displacement.
 Security Risks :The Integration of AI and advance technologies may introduce
security risks and vulnerability
 Cost :Fifth generation Computers may Involve significant costs of Developing
Systems that can meet the standards e.g. Operating Systems and Inbuilt
Functions .
 Complexity :The Software's and technological tools used in this generation
made this generation a unique feature with complicated features to users.
 Dependence on AI :The reliance on Artificial Intelligence may Introduce
dependencies and vulnerabilities in Certain Applications.
Difference Between Computer
Generations

First Generation Second Generation

 Used vacuum tubes as the basic  Second generation are digital and
Components for memory based on transistor technology
 They were quite large in size, taking  These were smaller in size as
almost size of a room compared to first generation
Computers
 Were expensive  Were relatively Cheap than First
Generation Computers
 Consumed a lot of Electricity and  Did not Consumed a lot of
Produce a lot of heat when electricity and does not produce
running heat when running
Difference Between Third Generation
and Forth Generation Computers

Third Generation Forth Generation

 Used High level Programming  Used High level Programming

Languages such as BASIC,COBOL Languages such as C,C+ and C++
and PASCAL
 Were more reliable ,fast ,efficient  High processing Speed through the
and less expenses than previous Development Of Microprocessors
generations
 Used technology of integrated  Used Technology of Very Large
Circuits(ICs) Integrated Circuits(VLSIc)
Conclusion

 The Evolution Of Computer Technology Through These Generations has

Led to the modern-day Computers that we use today. Each Generation
has brought significant advances in Speed ,power , and efficiency
,Ultimately Shaping the way we Interact With Technology.

The Digital Domain Leeway.A.J