University of Sargodha

Assignment topic: Evolution of computer

BS-IT 1st (SS1)
Muhammad Bilal
BSIT51F23S019
Submitted to: Ms.Iqra Khan
Submitted by: Muhammad Bilal
Computer
A computer is a sophisticated electronic device designed to process and store data through a series of
logical and arithmetic operations. It consists of hardware components such as a central processing unit
(CPU), memory, storage devices, and input/output interfaces. Computers run software programs that
instruct them on how to perform specific tasks, ranging from basic calculations to complex simulations.
They have become indispensable tools in various domains, enabling tasks like data analysis,
communication, entertainment, and automation. Their evolution over generations has led to smaller,
faster, and more versatile machines with a profound impact on modern society.

Pre-Computer Era (Pre-20th Century)

The early history of computing began with tools like the abacus, which emerged in
ancient civilizations around 2700 BC. This simple counting device utilized beads on
rods, serving as a foundational concept for later calculating machines. In the 17th
century, inventors like Blaise Pascal and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz developed
mechanical calculators, pioneering basic arithmetic operations.

Early Mechanical Calculators (17th-19th Century)

In the 17th century, Blaise Pascal's calculator and later Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's
calculator demonstrated the possibility of mechanized computation, with Leibniz's
design capable of performing all four arithmetic operations. These mechanical
calculators set the stage for more advanced computing machines.

Early Mechanical Computers (19th Century)

The 19th century saw visionary designs like Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine
(1837), often regarded as the precursor to modern computers. This mechanical
computer was designed to perform complex calculations and featured key computing
concepts such as punched cards for programming.
First Generation Computers (1940s-1950s)

The first generation of computers emerged in the 1940s, often referred to as "vacuum
tube computers." Notable examples include ENIAC and UNIVAC I. These machines
relied on vacuum tubes, which were large, fragile, and power-hungry electronic
components. They had limited memory, typically measured in kilobytes, and
programming involved manual entry using plugboards and wiring. Reliability issues due
to vacuum tube failures were common, leading to frequent maintenance and downtime.
These computers primarily used batch processing and were accessible mainly to
research institutions and large organizations. Despite their limitations, first-generation
computers paved the way for subsequent generations, demonstrating the potential of
electronic computation and spurring rapid advancements in computing technology.

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 (1950s-1960s)
The second generation of computers, which emerged in the 1950s, marked a
significant advancement over their vacuum tube predecessors. Key features of this era
included the use of transistors in place of vacuum tubes, resulting in smaller, more
reliable, and energy-efficient machines. Notable computers from this generation
included the IBM 700 series mainframes. The introduction of transistors revolutionized
computing by reducing heat generation and power consumption, making computers
more practical for various applications. These computers had improved reliability and
were capable of handling a wider range of tasks, further accelerating the adoption of
computing technology in business, science, and government.
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 (1960s-1970s)

The third generation of computers saw the introduction of integrated circuits (ICs), a
major leap from transistors. ICs contained multiple transistors and electronic
components on a single silicon chip, drastically reducing the size and power
consumption of computers. IBM's System/360 series, introduced in 1964, became an
industry standard, offering a range of compatible models for various applications. These
computers were more reliable and had improved multitasking capabilities. High-level
programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN gained popularity, simplifying
software development. Additionally, this era marked the shift toward more user-friendly
and business-oriented computing systems, expanding the use of computers in various
industries.

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 (1970s-1980s)

The fourth generation of computers, which began in the 1970s, was characterized by
the development of microprocessors. Intel's 4004 microprocessor, released in 1971,
was a groundbreaking invention. These microprocessors packed the entire CPU onto a
single chip, making it feasible to create smaller, more affordable, and highly capable
personal computers (PCs). Iconic machines like the Apple II (1977) and the IBM PC
(1981) became symbols of this era. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs), exemplified by the
Apple Macintosh in 1984, and widespread software applications transformed computing
into a mainstream tool for businesses and individuals. 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 (1990s-Present)

The fifth generation, which began in the 1990s, brought about the Internet Revolution.
The World Wide Web, introduced in 1991, and widespread internet adoption
transformed communication, information access, and global connectivity. The
proliferation of smartphones in the 2000s extended computing power to the palm of our
hands, enabling on-the-go access to information and services. Cloud computing, which
emerged in the 2000s, provided scalable and accessible computing resources over the
internet, fostering innovation in various fields. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a
defining feature of this generation, with advanced machine learning algorithms powering
applications like natural language processing, computer vision, and autonomous
vehicles. Quantum computing, still in its early stages, holds the promise of
revolutionizing complex problem-solving, including cryptography and drug discovery.
This generation is characterized by pervasive connectivity, rapid technological
advancements, and the fusion of digital technology into nearly every aspect of modern
life.

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