JSS1 Computer Studies Lesson Note on Generation of Computers

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TOPIC:  HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS

CONTENT:

Generation of Computers:  First, second, third, fourth and fifth generations.

GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS:

Generation of computers is the developmental stages that the computer has gone through.  There are 5 generations of computers and their accompanying innovations. 

1^ST GENERATION

1940 – 1956:  First Generation – Vacuum Tubes

First generation computers were those manufactured between 1940s and 1950s. The computers used the stored program concept. First generation computers were associated with the vacuum tubes or valves technology as circuitry and magnetic drums for memory.

CHARACTERISTICS:

1. They were very bulky and heavy.
2. They measured between 50 – 100ft long and about 80ft high.
3. The computers weighed up to 200 tons and occupied 3000 cubic ft.
4. They used vacuum tubes to store and process data.
5. Examples of first generation computers are ENIAC, EDSAC, and UNIVAC.
6. It generates a lot of heat
7. It relies on machine language
8. These computers were limited to solving one problem at a time

PROBLEMS OF FIRST GENERATION COMPUTERS

1. The vacuum tubes also generated a lot of heat hence, they needed a cooling system.
2. They were very bulky and heavy and are not mobile
3. It occupies excess space
4. It consumes a lot of energy.

EDSAC

2^ND GENERATION TRANSISTOR

1956 – 1963: Second Generation – Transistor

The replacement of vacuum tubes by transistors saw the advent of the second generation of computing. They were a big improvement over the vacuum tube, despite still subjecting computers to damaging levels of heat. However they were hugely superior to the vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster, cheaper and less heavy on electricity use. They still relied on punched card for input/printouts.

The language evolved from cryptic binary language to symbolic (assembly) languages. This means, programmers could create instructions in words. About the same time high level programming languages were being developed (early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN). Transistor-driven machines were the first computers to store instructions into their memories – moving from magnetic drum to magnetic core-technology. The early versions of these machines were developed for the atomic energy industry. Examples of second generation computers are NCR, 315, International Business Machine (IBM), 7030.

CHARACTERISTICS:

1. They were smaller in size than first generation computers.
2. They occupied smaller space than the first-generation computers.
3. Second generation computers used less electricity and generated less heat.
4. The transistors could do all that the vacuum tubes did.
5. The computers were faster and lighter in weight than first generation computers.
6. It uses assembly language
7. It uses punch card for input and output

3^RD GENERATION INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC)

1964 – 1971:  

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