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Introduction to the Generations of Computers

The document outlines the history and evolution of computers through five generations, starting from vacuum tube computers to artificial intelligence systems. Each generation is characterized by advancements in technology, size, speed, and functionality, reflecting significant improvements in computing capabilities. The conclusion emphasizes the remarkable journey of innovation that has led to the powerful computing devices available today.

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pravesh koirala
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18 views

Introduction to the Generations of Computers

The document outlines the history and evolution of computers through five generations, starting from vacuum tube computers to artificial intelligence systems. Each generation is characterized by advancements in technology, size, speed, and functionality, reflecting significant improvements in computing capabilities. The conclusion emphasizes the remarkable journey of innovation that has led to the powerful computing devices available today.

Uploaded by

pravesh koirala
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to the

Generations of
Computers
History of computers dates back to mechanical era where computer
were not used for general purpose. It takes long period of time to come
to this phase. Development of computer had passed through different
era from mechanical to electro mechanical to digital computer. The
development in different electronic components, precise engineering
and hi-tech technology has change the operation of computer
drastically. Earlier computer were only used for specific purpose such as
counting and performing basic mathematical operation. Later on, due to
the necessity and requirement of user different general purpose
computer were developed. Therefore, the classification of computer on
the basis of major electronic component, their architecture and modes of
operation is known as generations of computer. Five different
generations of computer are listed below along with their distinct
features.
First Generation: Vacuum Tube Computers
Features:

Duration Storage capacity Operating speed


Speed
First generation computers Storage capacity was too small The operating speed was in
lasted from 1942-1956. They are very slow. from 1 to 4kb. terms of milliseconds.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Size Memory device Use Electricity consumption


They are very large in size. They used vacuum tubes as They were used only for They consume a lot of electricity
memory device. scientific or research purpose.
First Generation: Vacuum Tube Computers
Limitations:

Low programming capability.


Required large space for
Slow operating speed installation.

1 2 3 4 5 6

High power consumption Program and data stored on Machine level programming
separate memories. language used.
First Generation: Vacuum Tube Computers
Examples:

ENIAC EDVAC UNIVAC-1


Second Generation: Transistor Computers
Features:

Duration Speed Secondary storage media Operating speed


Second generation computers They are faster than first Magnetic tapes were used as The operating speed was in
lasted from 1957-1963. generation computers. secondary storage media. terms of microseconds.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Size Memory device Internal storage Electricity consumption


They are smaller than first They used transistor as Magnetic core memory was They consumed less electricity
generation computers. memory device. used as internal storage. than first generation
computers.
Second Generation: Transistor Computers
Examples:

IBM-1620 IBM-1401 CDC-3600


Third Generation: Integrated
Circuit Computers
1 Duration 2 Main feature
Third generation computers lasted Integrated circuit was the main
from 1964-1970. feature of Third generation
computers.

3 Reliability & Efficiency 4 Operating Speed


They were reliable and efficient. The operating speed was in terms
of nano seconds.

5 Primary memory 6 Secondary memory


Semiconductor memory was used Magnetic disks were used as
as primary memory. secondary memory.

7 Supported language 8 Used devices


They could understand large Input and output devices used as
number of high level languages. keyboard and monitors.
Third Generation: Integrated Circuit Computers
Examples:

IBM-360 ICL-1900

IBM-370 VAX-750
Fourth Generation: Microprocessor Computers
Duration
The fourth generation computers are lasted since 1971 to the present.

Size
The sizes of fourth generation computers were reduced to desktop or laptop computer.

Operating speed
The operating speed is increased beyond picoseconds and MIPS (Millions of instruction per second).

Main feature
Use of very large scale integration is the main feature of fourth generation computer.

Storage devices
Magnetic and Optical storage devices with capacity more than 100 GB (giga byte) were used as secondary memory.

Used OS
Multiprocessing and multiprogramming OS are used.

Language
4GL(4th generation language) is used.
Fourth Generation: Microprocessor
Computers
Examples:

Pentium I Pentium II

8026 80286 Sx
Fifth Generation: Artificial
Intelligence Computers
Speed Concept
The speed is extremely high in 5th The concept of artificial
generation computers. intelligence has been introduced to
allow the computer to take its own
decision. it is still in developmental
stage.

Memory devices Others


Bio Chips and Gallium Arsenide Large uses of natural language
(GaAs) are used as memory processing and user friendly.
devices.

Processing Memory
It can perform a large number of It has a very large memory.
parallel processing.
Advancements and Innovations
Vacuum Transistors Integrated Microproces Artificial
Tubes Circuits sors Intelligence

Large, Smaller, Miniaturizat Complete Mimicking


Power- More ion, CPU on a Human
Hungry Efficient Increased Chip, Rise Intelligence
Processing of Personal , AI
Power Computers Applications

Conclusion: The Evolution of


Computing
The evolution of computers has been a remarkable journey, fueled by innovation
and the relentless pursuit of progress. Each generation has built upon the
foundation of its predecessors, leading to the powerful and versatile computing
devices we have today.

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