Generations Of Computers JSS1 Computer Studies Lesson Note

There are different generations of computers. The five generations of computers are as follows:

1.         First generation computer
2.         Second generation computer
3.         Third generation computer
4.         Fourth generation computer
5.         Fifth generation computer

FIRST GENERATION COMPUTER (1945-1955):

The first generation of computers was the electronic Numerical Integrator and computer (ENIAC). It was developed by John Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly. These machines had vacuum tubes, resistors, punched cards or punched tape input and output devices, and RAM. Examples of first-generation computers include ENIAC, EDSAC, UNIVAC 1, IBM650, and IBM608. (EDVAC: Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer), (UNIVAC: Universal Automatic Computer 1).

 FEATURES OF THE FIRST GENERATION ARE:

•             Vacuum tube technology
•             Unreliable
•             Supported Machine language only
•             Very costly
•             Generate a lot of heat
•             Slow Input/output device
•             Huge size
•             Need of A.C.
•             Non-portable
•             Consumed a lot of electricity

Some computers of this generation were: 

•             ENIAC
•             EDVAC
•             UNIVAC
•             IBM-701
•             IBM-650

SECOND GENERATION OF COMPUTERS (1956-1963)

The second generation of computers used translators which replaced vacuum tubes in the first generation of computers. The second generation replaced machine language with assembly language. In second-generation computers, computer memory became larger. Programs were stored inside the computer’s memory. High–level languages such as COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language), ALGOL (Algorithm Language), and FORTRAN (Formula Translator) were used.

 Some computers of this generation were:

•             IBM 1620
•             IBM 7094
•             CDC 1604
•             CDC 3600
•             UNIVAC 1108

FEATURES OF SECOND GENERATION OF COMPUTERS

1.         They used translator technology
2.         Faster than first-generation computers
3.         They generated a lesser amount of heat
4.         They were smaller than first-generation computers
5.         Instructions were written in high language
6.         Instruction was coded in assembly language
7.         They were less expensive to buy and power
8.         They were faster and more reliable
9.         They had limited internal memory
10. They used external storage

 THIRD GENERATION COMPUTER (1964-1971)

The third generation computer came with an integrated circuit (IC), invented in 1958 by Jack Kilby. The operating system allows machines to run different programs. This period also witnessed the introduction of small and inexpensive computers that individuals could afford. Examples of second generation are ICL 1900, IBM360/370, Honeywell 200 series CDC 6000, and UNIVAC 1100.

The main features of Third Generation are:

1.         They used integrated circuit technology
2.         IC used
3.         More reliable
4.         Smaller size
5.         Generate less heat
6.         Faster
7.         Lesser maintenance
8.         Still costly
9.         A.C. needed
10. Consumed less electricity
11. Support high-level language

Some computers of this generation were: 

•             IBM-360 series
•             Honeywell-6000 series
•             PDP(Personal Data Processor)
•             IBM-370/168
•             TDC-316

  FOURTH GENERATION COMPUTER (1980S -1990)

Fourth-generation computers are the modern-day computers that witness the development of the very small minuscule chip, large-scale integrated circuits, ultra-large-scale integrated circuits (ULSI), and enhanced types of integrated circuits also called microchips. It also has a microprocessor equipped with Real Only Memory(ROM). Examples of fourth-generation computers are: Intel’s 8080, IBM5100 PC, Commodore’s Amiga A10001, Pentium 1, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium IV, Pentium M, Giga Pro, Celeron 

FEATURES OF FOURTH GENERATION OF COMPUTER

•             VLSI technology used
•             Very cheap
•             Portable and reliable
•             Use of PC’s
•             Very small size
•             Pipeline processing
•             No A.C. needed
•             Concept of the Internet was introduced
•             Great developments in the fields of networks
•             Computers became easily available

Some computers of this generation were: 

•             DEC 10
•             STAR 1000
•             PDP 11
•             CRAY-1 (Super Computer)
•             CRAY-X-MP (Super Computer)

FIFTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS (21 CENTURY AND BEYOND)

They are the computers of the future, they have high speed of operation, and they perform multiple tasks and have artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is a term used to link human behaviour and characteristics in man-made machines. The method by which computers imitate human intelligence is called the knowledge information processing system (KIPS).

Examples of fifth-generation computers are Wallet PC. Virtual reality, Linux watch, wearable PC, Ballistic translator, PUMA, Cog, DANTE, WAMBOT-2 and HELPMATE.

 Some computer types of this generation are: 

•             Desktop
•             Laptop
•             NoteBook
•             Ultra Book
•             Chrome Book

 FEATURES OF FIFTH GENERATION COMPUTER

1.         They will come in various forms and shapes
2.         They will have a high speed of operations.
3.         They can make decisions.
4.         They will have artificial intelligence
5.         They will have a relatively small size