Different generations of computers

The advancement in electronic technology paved the way for improvement in design and development of computers. As a result, many more computers were developed thereafter. Major developments led to better speed, higher storage capacities and reduced cost of computers. On the basis of the kind of 'Processor' they use, there are five generations of computers. Let us study the generation-wise development in computer technologies.

First generation (1946-1958)

The first generation of computes were developed during the period of 1946 to 1958. They used vacuum tubes or values as their basic electronic components. The vacuum was developed by Lee Deforest.

The characteristics of the first generation computers are :

a. First generation computers were based on vacuum tubes.

b. They were very large in size.

c. They used to produce large amount of heat.

d. They were unreliable.

e. Machine language was used for programming.

f. They were difficult to program and use.

Some of the first generation computers are ENIAC, EDVAC,EDSAC and UNIVAC.

Second generation (1959-1964)

The second generation computers were developed during 1959 to 1964. The second generation of computers emerged with the development of transistors. The transistor was invented by three scientists. J. Bardeen, H.W. Brattain and W. Shockley in 1947.

The characteristics of the second generation computers are :

a. Transistors were used in place of vacuum tubes.

b. They were smaller in comparison with the first generation computers.

c. They generated less heat and were less prone to failure.

d. They look comparatively less computational time.

e. They required air conditioning.

f. Assembly language was used for programming.

Some of the second generation computers are IBM 7000, NCR 304, IBM 650, IBM 1401, ATLAS and MARK-III.

Third generation (1965-1974)

The third generation computers were developed during 1965-1974. The third generation computers emerged with the development of IC (Integrated Circuit). IC was invented by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby. Ic is a single component containing a number of transistors.

The characteristics of third generation computers are :

a. Third generation computers used integrated circuits instead of transistor.

b. They were smaller in size and cheaper in comparison with the second generation computers.

c. They reduced computational time and had low maintenance cost.

d. High level languages such as COBOL (Common Busines Oriented Language), ForTran (Formula Transalation), BASIC (Begginers All purpose Symbolic Instructionv Code) were developed.

e. Input/Output devices became more sophisticated.

Some of the third generation computers are PDP-8, PDP-11, ICL 2900, IBM 360 and IBM 370.