First Generation Computers
The period of first generation was from 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 the installations used to
fuse frequently.
Therefore, they were very expensive and only large organizations were able to
afford it.
In this generation, mainly batch processing operating system was used. Punch cards,
paper tape, and magnetic tape was used as input and output devices.
The computers in this generation used machine code as the programming language
The main features of the first generation are:
• Vacuum tube technology
• Unreliable
• Supported machine language only
• Very costly • Generates lot of heat
• Slow input and output devices
• Huge size
• Need of AC
• Non-portable
• Consumes lot of electricity.
Some computers of this generation were:
• ENIAC
• EDVAC
• UNIVAC
• IBM-701
• IBM-750
Second Generation Computers
The period of second generation was from 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 the 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.
The main features of second generation are
Use of transistors
• Reliable in comparison to first generation computers
• Smaller size as compared to first generation computers
• Generates less heat as compared to first generation computers
• Consumed less electricity as compared to first generation computers
• Faster than first generation computers
• Still very costly
• AC required
• Supported machine and assembly languages.
Some computers of this generation were:
• IBM 1620
• IBM 7094
• CDC 1604
• CDC 3600
• UNIVAC 1108
Third Generation Computers
The period of third generation was from 1965-1971. The computers of third
generation used Integrated Circuits (ICs) 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. T
his development made computers smaller in size, reliable, and efficient. In this
generation remote processing, time-sharing, multi-programming operating
system were used. High-level languages (FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1,
BASIC, ALGOL-68 etc.) were used during this generation.
The main features of third generation are:
• IC used
• More reliable in comparison to previous two generations
• Smaller size
• Generated less heat
• Faster
• Lesser maintenance
• Costly
• AC required
• Consumed lesser electricity
• Supported 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 Computers
The period of fourth generation was from 1971-1980. Computers of fourth
generation used
Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. VLSI circuits having about 5000
transistors and
other circuit elements with 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. In this generation, time
sharing, real
time networks, distributed operating system were used. All the high-level languages
like C,
C++, DBASE etc., were used in this generation.
The main features of fourth generation are:
• VLSI technology used
• Very cheap
• Portable and reliable
• Use of PCs
• Very small size
• Pipeline processing
• No AC required
• Concept of 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 Computers
The period of fifth generation is 1980-till date. In the fifth generation, 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. AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which interprets the means and
method of making computers think like human beings. All the high-level languages like C
and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation.
The main features of fifth generation are:
• ULSI technology
• Development of true artificial intelligence
• Development of Natural language processing
• Advancement in Parallel Processing
• Advancement in Superconductor technology
• More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features
• Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates
Some computer types of this generation are:
• Desktop
• Laptop
• Notebook
• Ultrabook
• Chromebook
What is Data?
Data is a raw and unorganized fact that is required to be processed to make it meaningful. It
can be considered as facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
Types of Data
There are two types of Data:
1. Quantitative: Quantitative data refers to numerical information like weight, height,
etc.
2. Qualitative: Qualitative data refers to non-numeric information like opinions,
perceptions, etc.
What is Information?
Information is defined as structured, organized, and processed data, presented within
a context that makes it relevant and useful to the person who needs it.
Data suggests that raw facts and figures regarding individuals, places, or the other
issue, that is expressed within the type of numbers, letters or symbols.
Difference between Information and Data
Examples of Data vs. Information
Data Example
Temperature Readings: Numbers representing temperature throughout the day,
such as "72°F", "68°F", "75°F".
Student Grades: A list of numerical scores obtained by students on a test, like "85",
"92", "78".
Stock Prices: Daily closing prices of a company's stock, such as "$50.25", "$48.90",
"$52.10".
Information Example
Weather Report: Based on the temperature reading a weather report can be
generated.
Grade Average: Based on the student grades, the average grade of class can be
derived.
Market Analysis: The stock market showed a slight increase today derived from
stock prices.