NAME : IDEHEN ADESUWA

COURSE CODE : CSC 110

FACULTY: Faculty of physical Science(PSC)
DEPARTMENT: computer science (CSC)
STUDENT ID : B1212851

(1). First Generation of Computers (1951 – 1959)

The first generation of computers is generally known as electromechanical computers
or using vacuum tubes. For example, ENIAC has used Vacuum tubes, relied on Machine
Language and Boolean logic
Vacuum tubes were used to build computers of first generation. These computers were
so large in size because of using thousands of diode, triode, transistors,
capacitors etc. and also used to use a lot of electricity. These computers of first
generation used to produce a lot of heat, so those were more expensive to support
by setting up cooling systems. Maintenance of these huge sized computers were
complex and expensive. Following are some of the characteristics of the computers
of first generation.

Characteristics of First Generation of Computers

1. Use of vacuum tubes to make circuits
2. Use of magnetic drums
3. Use of machine language and symbols in instructions
4. Very small amount of storage space
5. Use of punch cards as I/O devices
6. Huge in size and poor in mobility
7. Very slow and less reliable output
8. Use of high electricity
9. Generates too much heats
10. Complex and expensive to maintain
Example: UNIVAC I, IBM 650, MARK II, MARK III, IBM701, ENIAC etc.

(2). Second Generation of Computers(1959 – 1971)

In 1947 transistors A transistor computer, now often called a second-generation
computer, is a computer which uses discrete transistors instead of vacuum tubes.
The first generation of electronic computers used vacuum tubes, which generated
large amounts of heat, were bulky and unreliable. were invented, which was used in
second generation computers to reduce the heat and size problem of the computers
from first generation along with following characteristics
Characteristics of Second Generation of Computers
1. Use of transistors
2. Magnetic memory and magnetic storage disks
3. High speed I/O devices
4. Invention and use of high level languages such as Fortran and Cobol.
5. Reduced size
6. Solution to heat generation
7. Communication by using telephone line
8. Improvement of speed and reliability
Example: Honeywell 200, IBM 1620, IBM 1400 etc.

(3). Third Generation of Computer (1965 – 1971)

Use of integrated circuits (IC) started the third generation of computer. IC
reduced the size, price, use of electricity etc. IC also facilitates speed and
reliability of computers. Development of IC enabled organizing the whole central
processing unit in single chip. Use of monitor also started in this generation.
Operating system was improved to a new level and high speed line printers were in
use. Followings are some of the characteristics of third generation.
Characteristics of Third Generation of Computers
1. Use of Integrated Circuits (IC) instead of transistors
2. Use of Semi-conductor memory
3. Small size than previous generation computers
4. Use of magnetic storage devices
5. Improved faster operations and more dependable output
6. Use of mini computers
7. Use of monitors and line printers
8. Use of high level programming languages
9. Less expensive than 2nd generation computers
10. Less expensive maintenance cost.
Examples: IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11 etc.

(4). Fourth Generation of Computers (1971 – present)

The computers that we use now-a-days are the computers from fourth generation. From
this generation more use of semi-conductors in memory started. Microprocessors has
been created with LSI (Large Scale Integration) and VLSI (Very Large Scale
Integration). The size and price of computers has both been reduced to significant
levels. Followings are some of the characteristics of computers from fourth
generation.
Characteristic of Fourth Generation of Computers
1. Microprocessor based system that uses Very Large Scale Integrated
(VLSI) circuits.
2. Microcomputers became the cheapest at this generation.
3. Hand-held computer devices became more popular and affordable
4. Networking between the systems was developed and became of every day
use in this generation.
5. Storage of memory and other storage devices has increased in big
amount.
6. Outputs are now more reliable and accurate.
7. Processing power or speed has increased enormously.
8. With increment in the capacity of the storage systems large programs
were started to be in use
9. Great improvement in the hardware helped great improvement in the
output in screen, paper etc.
10. Size of the computer devices became such small that even desktop
computers were easily movable along with portable computers such as laptops etc.
Example: IBM 3033, Sharp PC – 1211 etc.

(5). Fifth Generation of Computers

They are less expensive than computers from previous generations. For better and
expanded performance, they use parallel computing and superconducting wire
technology. They have the ability to reason and make choices, just like humans. The
technology employed is ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integrated).
Computers from fourth generation are in use of everyday work. Fifth generation
computers are from the future. Actually the computers from fifth generation are
already in use under limited exposure and not available for everyone to try as the
development process is still ongoing. A few of the characteristics of those fifth
generation computers are already in practice or available in the fourth generation
computers but those are either not complete nor available for everyone. Following
are some of the characteristics of fifth generation computers.
Characteristics of Fifth Generation of Computers
1. Multi-processor based system: Currently we use one processor per CPU
though there are special computers already in use with parallel computing but those
are very limited and not complete.
2. Use of Artificial Intelligence: AI is also in use already, but still it
is in development. In fifth generation computers, we expect to see AI applied in
everywhere, from navigating to browsing, from everyday word-excel sheet processing
to heavy duty image processing and video analyzing etc. AI will become personal
assistant, AI will automate almost every aspect computing.
3. Use of optical fiber in circuits
4. Development of the elements of programs
5. Automated audio in any language to control the workflow of the computer
6. Magnetic enabled chips
7. Huge development of storage: Already we have SSD storage which is way
faster than HDD, and a few other technologies under development, thus we expect to
faster and larger storage in fifth generation computers.
8. More powerful micro and macro computers
9. Development of enormous powers with AI

Classification of Computers: By Size, Usage, Type and Purpose

classification of computers according to size?


The different computer types may be divided into two groups based on their size and
capacity for handling data. There are five main kinds of computers based on size:
PC (Personal Computer), minicomputer, microcomputers, supercomputers, and
mainframe.

Classification of Computers
Classification of Computers – According to uses and applications, computers come in
a variety of sizes and shapes with varying processing capabilities. In the
beginning, the size of a computer was as large as building rooms, and processing
speeds were relatively slow. With the introduction of microprocessor technology,
the size of the computer was drastically reduced, and the processing speed
increased.

Classification of Computers – Based on their Functionality and Sizes:

Computers are categorized into four groups according to their external dimensions,
internal capabilities, and external uses.
Here is list of computers classified based on functionality:
• Supercomputer
• Mainframe computer
• Minicomputer
• Micro-computer

SUPER Computers:
•

🌟The mightiest computers but at the same time, the most expensive ones are known as
Super computers.🌟Super computers process billions of instructions per second.🌟In
other words, Super computers are the computers normally used to solve intensive
numerical computers.🌟Examples of such applications are stock analysis, special
effects for movies, weather forecasting and even sophisticated artworks.

Among digital computers, supercomputers are the biggest, fastest, strongest, and
priciest. The first supercomputer was created in the 1960s for the American
Department of Defense (USA). Supercomputers use several processors to increase
their speed, and many people can use them simultaneously. Supercomputers are
generally utilized for scientific purposes and large-scale, complex calculations.
They are widely used in the aerospace, automotive, chemical, electronics, and
petroleum industries, as well as for weather forecasting and seismic analysis.
Example for supercomputer
Jaguar, Nebulae, Roadrunner, Kraken, Tianhe-1


Mainframe Computer:
Mainframe computers, also known as mainframes, are the most commonly used type of
digital computer in large industries for controlling processes as well as in
offices for maintaining networks and providing access to shared resources. IBM is
estimated to control two-thirds of the mainframe market. They are far more suitable
for intensive operation than supercomputers. Many modern computers can multitask;
however, they are typically limited to eight or fewer processors.
Megaflops (millions of floating-point arithmetic operations per second) are used to
measure processor speed. Mainframe computer systems are powerful enough to support
a hundred users at remote terminals at the same time. It can support hundreds of
users by keeping multiple programs in primary memory and switching between them
quickly. Multi-programming refers to the ability to run multiple programs at the
same time for multiple users.
Example for Mainframe computer
IBM-3000 series, IBM 4300, IBM 3090.


Mini Computer:
Most minicomputers, like mainframes, are multiuser and general-purpose computers.
The primary distinction between mainframes and minicomputers is that minicomputers
are slower even when performing the same tasks as mainframes.
Example for Mini computer
PDP series


Micro Computer:
The most common type of computer, widely used in homes, schools, banks, and
offices, among other places. It is a low-cost digital computer with a single
microprocessor, storage unit, and input/output device. Microcomputers are typically
designed for individual use only.
They were originally referred to as microcomputers because they were so small in
size compared to supercomputers and mainframes. They are commonly used in homes,
offices, and for personal use, so they are also referred to as personal computers.
Example for Micro computer
Desktop computers and portable computers like a laptop, personal digital assistant
(PDA)



Desktop Computer:
A desktop computer, also known as a PC (Personal computer), is the most common type
of microcomputer. It have CPU (Central Processing Unit), a keyboard and a mouse for
input, and a monitor or display unit for output. The CPU is made up of a
microprocessor, main memory, secondary storage unit such as a hard drive or optical
drive, and a power supply unit all housed in a single cabinet.
Example for Desktop computer
Apple, Dell, Hp, Lenovo.
Portable Computer:
Portable computers, such as laptops and PDAs, have surpassed desktop computers in
popularity. The best feature of this portable computer is that it is lightweight
and portable. Laptops have all of the same components as desktop computers, but
they are more compact and smaller in size.
A palm-sized portable digital assistant (PDA) is another type of portable computer.
As a result, it is also known as a palmtop computer. PDAs are used to keep track of
appointments, take important notes, set reminders, perform mathematical
calculations, play games, and even surf the internet and send emails. In 1993,
Apple released the Newton, the first personal digital assistant.
Example for Portable computer
Palm Pilot, Handspring Visor, HP Jordana, Compaq Aero, Franklyn eBook man

Classification of Computers – Based on Purpose:

Computers are broadly classified into two types based on its purpose:
• General-purpose computer
• Specific-purpose computer
General Purpose Computer:
A general-purpose computer is built to do a variety of common tasks. Computers of
this type have the ability to store multiple programs. They can be applied in the
workplace, in science, in education, and even at home. Such computers are
adaptable, but they are also less effective and move more slowly.

Specific Purpose Computer:

A single specific task can be handled by a specific-purpose computer, which is
designed to execute a certain task. They aren’t made to manage several programs.
They were therefore not adaptable. Since they are made to handle a specific task,
they are more efficient and faster than general-purpose computers. These computers
are utilized for things like airline reservations, air traffic control, and
satellite tracking.

Classification of Computers – Based Data Handling:

The computer is further classified into three types based on its ability to handle
data or how it processes incoming data differently. They are
• Digital computer
• Analog computer
• Hybrid computer
Digital Computer:
A digital computer deals with the data that can be stored in binary format i.e. in
the form of 0s and 1s. This computer stores data or information as voltage pulses
that either indicate 0 or 1. Before being stored in a computer’s memory, all types
of data, including text documents, music files, and graphic images, are transformed
into binary format. It is a machine that manipulates discrete data and executes
logical and mathematical operations.

Analog Computer:
An Analog computer is used to process the analog data. Analog data is data that is
constantly changing or varying. They are used to measure continuously varying
aspects of physical quantities such as electrical current, voltages, hydraulic
pressure, and other electrical and mechanical properties. Analog computer does not
measure discrete values. They are employed in scientific and industrial
applications.
Hybrid Computer:
A hybrid computer is a combination of both a digital computer system and an analog.
The hybrid computer has the capacity to handle both analog and digital input. While
the digital half of the system manages the numerical and logical operation, the
analog portion of the system handle the continuously varying aspects of complex
mathematical computation. The system’s controller is also a part of the digital
component.
Hybrid computers are used in medical science to measure the heartbeat of the
patient, also used in controlling industrial processes and scientific