ASSIGNMENT
Generations of Computer
SUBMITTED By:_muhammad fahad
REGISTRATION NO :2025_bda_28
COURSE :
COURSE CODE : ____________________
INSTRUCTOR : ____________________
INSTITUTE : ____________________
First Generation (1940–1956)
Hardware and Architecture: These computers were very large, used vacuum tubes, and required cooling systems
because they produced a lot of heat. They were difficult to maintain and not reliable.
Processing Speed and Storage: Very slow (milliseconds). Used magnetic drums and punch cards for storage. Limited
memory and processing power.
Programming Language: Used Machine Language, which was hard to program and understand.
Energy Consumption: Very high energy consumption due to vacuum tubes and cooling requirements.
Example: ENIAC, UNIVAC were used for scientific calculations and data processing.
Second Generation (1956–1963)
Hardware and Architecture: Transistors replaced vacuum tubes. Computers became smaller, faster, and more reliable.
Processing Speed and Storage: Faster (microseconds). Magnetic tape and core memory used for better storage.
Programming Language: Assembly and early high-level languages like FORTRAN and COBOL.
Energy Consumption: Lower than first generation; machines became more efficient.
Example: IBM 1401, IBM 7094 were used in business and scientific research.
Third Generation (1964–1971)
Hardware and Architecture: Used Integrated Circuits (ICs) instead of transistors. Made computers smaller, faster, and
cheaper.
Processing Speed and Storage: Speed improved to microseconds; used hard disks for permanent storage.
Programming Language: High-level languages such as COBOL, FORTRAN, and BASIC.
Energy Consumption: Much lower power usage and heat generation compared to earlier generations.
Example: IBM 360 Series computers were popular for both business and research applications.
Fourth Generation (1971–1980s)
Hardware and Architecture: Based on microprocessors which combined thousands of ICs into one chip. Introduction of
personal computers (PCs).
Processing Speed and Storage: Speed reached nanoseconds; semiconductor memory improved storage speed and
reliability.
Programming Language: Languages like C and BASIC became popular.
Energy Consumption: Highly energy efficient and reliable systems.
Example: Apple II, IBM PC – personal computers became widely available for home and office use.
Fifth Generation (1980s–Present)
Hardware and Architecture: Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI). Includes
modern laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Processing Speed and Storage: Extremely fast (picoseconds); large storage capacity with SSDs and cloud computing.
Programming Language: Advanced and AI-based languages like Python, Prolog, and natural language processing tools.
Energy Consumption: Very efficient systems designed to save power while offering high performance.
Example: Modern PCs, AI Robots, and Smart Devices used in business, science, and daily life.
Summary Table of Generations of Computer
Feature 1st Gen 2nd Gen 3rd Gen 4th Gen 5th Gen
Technology Vacuum Transistors Integrated Microprocessors AI &
Tubes Circuits Quantum
Chips
Speed Milliseconds Microseconds Nanosecond Picoseconds AI Level
s
Languages Machine Assembly, High-Level C, BASIC Python,
FORTRAN (COBOL, Prolog
BASIC)
Storage Punch Cards Magnetic Hard Disk Floppy Disk SSD, Cloud
Tape
Example ENIAC IBM 7094 IBM 360 IBM PC Modern AI
Systems
Conclusion
The evolution of computers shows how rapidly technology has advanced. From large, slow vacuum tube systems to
compact, smart, AI-based machines, each generation has improved in speed, size, efficiency, and intelligence. Today,
computers are an essential part of every field — from education and business to science and entertainment — making
them one of the most important inventions in human history.