Computer Classification
History of Evolution Of Computers
Two Eras:
Mechanical Era (Before 1945)
Electronic Era (1945 - Present)
Mechanical Era
Electronic Era
History of Evolution Of Computers
Can be divided into generations.
First Generation (1945 – 1954)
Second Generation (1955 – 1964)
Third Generation (1965 – 1974)
Fourth Generation (1975 - Present)
Fifth Generation (Present – Beyond)
Computer
Generations
Distinguish between varying hardware
and software technologies
ZEROETH
GENERATION
Man used his fingers, ropes, beads, bones, pebbles
and other objects for counting.
Abacus, Pascaline, Difference & Analytical engines
Electricity was not yet invented
An Ancient memory aid
device to record and
document numbers,
quantities or even
messages.
Also
used in
China
Ishango Bone Lebombo Bone
A mechanical device used to perform mathematical
calculation.
Used to perform Basic Arithmetic Operations.
Unproved Information,
Abacus was used in
Babylonia in 2400BC
A different, much more advanced
methods for calculations can be
seen in the development of
Abacus in Asia (China)
Invented by John Napier in 1614
Allowed the operator to multiply, divide and
calculate square and cube roots.
Father of Computer
A founding member of Royal Astronomical Society
His machine had:
An input
A memory
A processor
An output
Designed to solve complex
problems with series of
calculations on a number of
variables.
Generally considered the first
computer.
A general purposed computer.
Augusta Ada Byron
Wrote programs for the Analytical Engine
Invented by Herman Hollerith
An electro-
mechanical machine designed to
assist in summarizing information
stored on punched cards
CTR – Computing Tabulating
Recording
Exercise
1. What kind of data stored in a Tally stick ?
2. Why Abacus is still recommended to
children?
3. Who is the father of computer science.
Mention two of his great designs.
4. Who is the first programmer?
FIRST
GENERATION
Time period: 1946-1959
Used vacuum tubes for circuitry of CPU.
Magnetic drums for memory.
Relied on machine language.
Solved one problem at a time.
Input: Punched cards and paper tape
Output: Printouts
Advantages
It made use of vacuum tubes which are the
only electronic component available during
those days.
These computers could calculate in
milliseconds.
Disadvantages
These were very big in size, weight was about 30 tones.
These computers were based on vacuum tubes.
These computers were very costly.
It could store only a small amount of information due to the
presence of magnetic drums.
Disadvantages
As the invention of first-generation computers involves
vacuum tubes, so another disadvantage of these
computers was, vacuum tubes require a large cooling
system.
Very less work efficiency.
Disadvantages
Limited programming capabilities and punch cards were
used to take inputs.
Large amount of energy consumption.
Not reliable and constant maintenance is required.
The First General Purpose
Digital Computer
The First Commercially
Produced Electronic Digital
Computer
Exercise
1. List down memory, input and output of first
generation computers.
2. Why ENIAC and UNIVAC computers are so
special.
SECOND
GENERATION
Time period: 1959-1965
Used Transistors.
Primary memory: Magnetic Cores
Secondary Storage: Magnetic disks
TRANSISTOR – was a three-legged component which
shrunk the size of the first-generation computers.
Occupied only 1/100th of the space occupied by a
vacuum tube.
Assembly language and high-level programming
language. (FORTON, COBOL)
Computer used batch processing and
multiprogramming operating system.
Advantages
Due to the presence of transistors instead of
vacuum tubes, the size of electron component
decreased. This resulted in reducing the size of
a computer as compared to first generation
computers.
Advantages
Less energy and not produce as much heat as the
first generation.
Assembly language and punch cards were used
for input.
Low cost than first generation computers.
Advantages
Better speed, calculate data in microseconds.
Better portability as compared to first generation
Disadvantages
A cooling system was required.
Constant maintenance was required.
Only used for specific purposes.
Exercise
1. What were the components that used as
primary and secondary memory in the
Second Generation of computers?
2. What are the high-level languages
developed in the Second Generation?
THIRD
GENERATION
Time period: 1965-1971
Used Integrated Circuits. (ICs)
Input: Keyboard
Output: Monitors
INTEGRATED CIRCUITS – are square silicon chips
containing circuitry that can perform the functions of
hundreds of transistors
Interfaced with operating system: Allowed the
device to run many different applications at one
time.
Computers became accessible to a mass audience.
RELIABILITY – Unlike vacuum tubes, silicon will not break
down easily. It is very seldom that you will have to replace it.
LOW COST – Silicon chips are relatively cheap because of
their small size and availability in the market. It also
consumes less electricity.
Advantages
These computers were cheaper as compared to
second-generation computers.
They were fast and reliable.
Use of IC in the computer provides the small
size of the computer.
Advantages
IC not only reduce the size of the computer but it
also improves the performance of the computer
as compared to previous computers.
This generation of computers has big storage
capacity.
Advantages
Instead of punch cards, mouse and keyboard
are used for input.
They used an operating system for better
resource management and used the concept of
time-sharing and multiple programming.
Advantages
These computers reduce the computational time
from microseconds to nanoseconds.
Disadvantages
IC chips are difficult to maintain.
The highly sophisticated technology required for
the manufacturing of IC chips.
Air conditioning is required.
Exercise
1. What were the devices that used as input
and output devices in the Third Generation
of computers?
2. What are the disadvantages of the Third
Generation Computers?
FOURTH
GENERATION
Time period: 1971 – Present
Used microprocessor
Located all the components of a computer on a single
chip.
1981: IBM introduces its first computer for the home
user.
1984: Apple introduced the Macintosh
Advantages
Fastest in computation and size get reduced as
compared to the previous generation of
computer.
Heat generated is negligible.
Advantages
Small in size as compared to previous
generation computers.
Less maintenance is required.
All types of high-level language can be used in
this type of computers.
Disadvantages
The Microprocessor design and fabrication are
very complex.
Air conditioning is required in many cases due to
the presence of ICs.
Advance technology is required to make the ICs
TODAY’S COMPUTER
Is classified as fourth generation computers.
Faster, more powerful, tremendous data storage and
processing capacity
New brands and models would come out the market almost
every other month.
Many clones or imitations of the IBM have become even
more powerful and a lot cheaper.
TODAY’S COMPUTER
Computers became more affordable
Computers can now be found in homes, schools, offices etc.
There has been a tremendous improvement in software technology
Different software applications to choose from: word processing, spreadsheets,
database management, games and entertainment.
Computer subjects are now being offered not just to college students but even
to high school and elementary.
Computers are now used as an aid in teaching math, science etc.
FIFTH
GENERATION
Time period: 1980 – Beyond
Artificial Intelligence
Exercise
• Describe the Technologies used in each
generation.
Search for Knowledge
Chip Manufacturing - How
are Microchips made?
Check this video:
Types of Computers
On the basis of Computing Power & Size:
Supercomputer
Main Frame
Mini Computer
Workstation
Micro Computer/ PC (Personal Computer)
Supercomputer
Main Frame
Minicomputer
Workstation
Micro Computer
Modern CoMputer
Modern Computers
Are Electronic and Digital. They
Can Be Described in Terms Their
Hardware and Software.