Index1. Before the Generations 2. First Generation3. Second Generation4. Third Generation 5. Fourth Generation6. Fifth Generation

Before The Generations

1.Abacus 2.Napier’s Bones3.Pascaline4.Difference engine5.Analytical Engine

1) Abacus The abacus was probably the first

calculating device

It was used to perform simple calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

2) Napier’s BonesIn 1616, Sir John Napier made a calculating device

called Napier’s Bones.

It was used for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and to find the square root of a number

3) Pascaline In 1641, Blaise Pascal invented the Pascaline, the

first mechanical computer

It consisted of a rectangular box with movable wheels

It was used for adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing numbers up to hundreds and thousands

4) Difference EngineIn the 19th century, Charles Babbage invented

a machine called the difference engine to prepare mathematical engine

5) Analytical EngineCharles Babbage also invented the first general

purpose computer known as the Analytical Engine.

It had the basic element of modern computer : Input, Output, Memory devices

First Generation Of ComputersThe period of first generation was 1946-1959. The

computers of first generation used vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central Processing Unit). These tubes, like electric bulbs, produced a lot of heat and were prone to frequent fusing of the installations, therefore, were very expensive and could be afforded only by very large organizations. In this generation mainly batch processing operating system were used.

Features of First Generation Computers

Vacuum tube technologyUnreliableSupported machine language onlyVery costlyGenerated lot of heatSlow input and output devicesHuge sizeNeed of A.C.Non-portableConsumed lot of electricity

Second Generation Of Computers

The period of second generation was 1959-1965. In this generation transistors were used that were cheaper, consumed less power, more compact in size, more reliable and faster than the first generation machines made of vacuum tubes. In this generation, magnetic cores were used as primary memory and magnetic tape and magnetic disks as secondary storage devices. In this generation assembly language and high-level programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL were used. The computers used batch processing and multiprogramming operating system.

Feature of Second Generation Computers

Use of transistorsReliable in comparison to first generation computersSmaller size as compared to first generation computersConsumed less electricity as compared to first generation computersFaster than first generation computersStill very costlyA.C. neededSupported machine and assembly languages

Third Generation Of Computer

The period of third generation was 1965-1971. The computers of third generation used integrated circuits (IC's) in place of transistors. A single IC has many transistors, resistors and capacitors along with the associated circuitry. The IC was invented by Jack Kilby. This development made computers smaller in size, reliable and efficient. In this generation remote processing, time-sharing, multi-programming operating system were used.

Feature of Third Generation ComputersIC usedMore reliable in comparison to previous two

generationsSmaller sizeGenerated less heatFasterLesser maintenanceStill costlyA.C neededConsumed lesser electricitySupported high-level language

Fourth Generation Of ComputersThe period of fourth generation was 1971-1980.

The computers of fourth generation used Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. VLSI circuits having about 5000 transistors and other circuit elements and their associated circuits on a single chip made it possible to have microcomputers of fourth generation. Fourth generation computers became more powerful, compact, reliable, and affordable. As a result, it gave rise to personal computer (PC) revolution.

Feature of Fourth Generation Computers

VLSI technology usedVery cheapPortable and reliableUse of PC'sVery small sizePipeline processingNo A.C. neededConcept of internet was introducedGreat developments in the fields of networksComputers became easily available

Fifth Generation Of ComputersThe period of fifth generation is 1980-till date. In

the fifth generation, the VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the production of microprocessor chips having ten million electronic components. This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software.

Feature of Fifth Generation Computers

ULSI technologyDevelopment of true artificial intelligence

Development of Natural language processingAdvancement in Parallel ProcessingAdvancement in Superconductor technologyMore user friendly interfaces with multimedia

featuresAvailability of very powerful and compact computers

at cheaper rates

Done By : AryanClass : X B