Atlas 4: History Of Computers

“Computers weren't always small and powerful . This section quickly shows how they were
invented and improved over time, from big machines to our phones”

First Generation (1940s - 1950s): Vacuum Tubes

●​ Timeline: Roughly 1940 to the mid-1950s.

●​ Characteristics:
○​ Used vacuum tubes as the primary electronic component. Vacuum tubes were
fragile glass devices that amplified electrical signals and acted as switches.
○​ Very large in size, often occupying entire rooms.
○​ Consumed a large amount of electricity and generated a lot of heat, leading to
frequent breakdowns.
○​ Slow processing speeds.
○​ Used machine language (binary code) for programming, making it tedious.
○​ Relied on punched cards and paper tape for input and output.
○​ Limited memory capacity, often using magnetic drums.
○​ Very expensive to build, operate, and maintain.
●​ Key Equipment: Vacuum tubes, magnetic drums, punched cards, paper tape.
●​ Notable Machines:
○​ ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer): One of the earliest
general-purpose electronic digital computers.
○​ UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer I): The first commercially
available electronic computer.
○​ IBM 701.
○​ IBM 650.

Second Generation (1950s - 1960s): Transistors

 ●​ Timeline: Mid-1950s to the mid-1960s.
●​ Characteristics:
○​ Replaced vacuum tubes with transistors. Transistors were smaller, faster, more
reliable, and consumed less power and generated less heat than vacuum tubes.
○​ Smaller in size compared to first-generation computers.
○​ Faster processing speeds (microseconds instead of milliseconds).
○​ More reliable with fewer breakdowns.
○​ Used assembly language, which was easier to program than machine language.
○​ Introduced magnetic core memory for faster and larger primary storage.
○​ Used magnetic tapes and disks for secondary storage.
○​ Lower operational costs compared to the first generation.
●​ Key Equipment: Transistors, magnetic core memory, magnetic tapes, magnetic disks,
punched cards, line printers.
●​ Notable Machines:
○​ IBM 1401.
○​ IBM 7090 series.
○​ Honeywell 200.
○​ UNIVAC 1107.
○​ CDC 1604.

Third Generation (1960s - 1970s): Integrated Circuits

●​ Timeline: Mid-1960s to the mid-1970s.

●​ Characteristics:
 ○​ Used integrated circuits (ICs) or silicon chips, where multiple transistors were
placed on a single semiconductor chip. This further reduced size, increased
speed, and improved efficiency and reliability.
○​ Even smaller in size and more affordable than second-generation computers.
○​ Faster processing speeds (nanoseconds).
○​ Lower power consumption and less heat generation, reducing the need for
extensive air conditioning.
○​ Used high-level programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC,
and Pascal, making programming easier.
○​ Supported the development of operating systems that could handle
multitasking and multiprogramming.
○​ Increased storage capacity with magnetic disks and tapes.
○​ Introduced keyboards and monitors for input and output.
●​ Key Equipment: Integrated circuits (ICs), magnetic core memory (later replaced by
semiconductor memory), magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, keyboards, monitors.
●​ Notable Machines:
○​ IBM System/360 series.
○​ DEC PDP series.
○​ ICL 2900 series.
○​ Honeywell 6000 series.

Fourth Generation (1970s - Present): Microprocessors

●​ Timeline: 1970s to the present day.

●​ Characteristics:
○​ Characterized by the use of microprocessors, where the entire central
processing unit (CPU) is located on a single silicon chip.
○​ Led to the development of personal computers (PCs).
○​ Very large-scale integration (VLSI) and ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI)
technologies enabled the creation of chips with millions and billions of
transistors.
○​ Extremely powerful, small, affordable, and reliable.
 ○​ Led to the development of powerful personal computers, workstations, and
laptop computers.
○​ Significant advancements in software development, including user-friendly
operating systems (like Windows, macOS, Linux) and a wide range of
application software.
○​ Development of computer networks and the internet.
○​ Continuous increase in processing power, memory capacity, and storage
capabilities.
●​ Key Equipment: Microprocessors, semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM),
large-capacity hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), keyboards, mice, monitors,
networking devices.
●​ Notable Machines/Developments:
○​ Intel 4004 (the first single-chip microprocessor).
○​ Apple Macintosh.
○​ IBM PC.
○​ Modern desktop and laptop computers.
○​ Smartphones and tablets.
○​ Gaming consoles.

Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond): Artificial Intelligence

●​ Timeline: Ongoing and the future of computing.

●​ Characteristics:
○​ Focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, natural language
processing, robotics, quantum computing, and other advanced technologies.
○​ Aim is to develop computers that can think, learn, and solve problems like
humans.
○​ Emphasis on parallel processing, distributed computing, and the use of
specialized hardware.
○​ Development of more intuitive and natural user interfaces, including voice
recognition and gesture control.
 ○​ The lines between hardware and software are becoming increasingly blurred
with advancements in areas like neuromorphic computing.
●​ Key Equipment: High-performance microprocessors, specialized AI accelerators
(GPUs, TPUs), large and distributed memory systems, quantum computers (in
development), neuromorphic chips (in development).
●​ Notable Machines/Developments:
○​ AI-powered systems for various applications (e.g., virtual assistants,
autonomous vehicles, medical diagnosis).
○​ Quantum computers (prototypes and early commercial systems).
○​ Neuromorphic computing chips.