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Histroy of Computer

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34 views7 pages

Histroy of Computer

Uploaded by

abihatanveerrict
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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HISTROY OF COMPUTER

Before the invention of computers people used sticks, stones and bones of animals to count
and calculate. However as the technology advanced the more computing devices were
invented like Abacus, Napier’s Bones, etc. These devices were used as computers for
performing mathematical computations but not very complex ones.

EARLY COMPUTATION
We could argue that the first computer was the abacus or its descendant, the slide rule, invented by
William Oughtred in 1622. But many people consider English mathematician Charles Babbage's analytical
engine to be the first computer resembling today's modern machines.

.
Babbage's new invention existed almost entirely on paper. He kept nearly 5,000 pages' worth notes and
sketches about his computers and although he never built a single production model of the analytical
engine, he had a clear vision about how the machine would look and work. Unfortunately, the technology
of that time could not delivery his designs It wasn't until 1991 that his particular ideas were finally
translated into a functioning computer. Science Museum in London built his difference engine. It stands 11
feet long and 7 feet tall, contains 8,000 moving parts and weighs 5 tons. A copy of the machine was built
and shipped to the Computer History Museum in California, where it remained on display until December
2010. Neither device would function on a desktop, but they are no doubt the first computers to the modern
PC. And those computers influenced the development of the World Wide Web.

GENERATION OF COMPUTORS
First Generation:
The technology behind the first-generation computers was a fragile glass device, which was called a vacuum tube. These
computers were very heavy and really large. They are not reliable, programming on them was a hard task as they used
low-level programming language and used no Operating System.

Advantages of First Generation of Computors:


Increased Calculation Speed
Automation of Complex Tasks
Reliable Results
Enhanced Research Capabilities

Disadvantages of First Generation of Computors:


Computers were larger.
They consumed a lot of quantity of energy.
They heated terribly
Constant maintenance was needed.
Not transportable.
Limited programming capabilities.
Second Generation of Computors:
The second-generation computers were used during 1957-1963. They are also known as transistor
computers.

Characteristics of Second Generation of Computors :


Smaller in size:The Second generation of computers are much smaller in size than the first-generation
computers.
Power/ Energy Requirement: The second generation of computers requires less amount of energy (i.e.
electricity) compared to the first generation of computers and produces less heat than the first-generation
computer.
Speed: Calculation of data could be done in microseconds.
Cost: The cost of Second-generation computers is reduced in comparison to first-generation computers.

Advantages of Second Generation of Computors


They are smaller in size as compare to the first generation.
It is more reliable
Uses less power and generates less heat.
The speed of the second generation is faster as compared to the first generation.
Second generation computers have improved accuracy.
Disadvantages of Second Generation of Computors:
They generate less heat but still require a cooling system.
They require frequent maintenance.
The commercial production of second generation computers is difficult.

Third Generation of Computors:


The third generation of computers, spanning from 1965 to 1971, marked a significant advancement in
computing technology. This era introduced the use of integrated circuits (ICs), which replaced individual
transistors and allowed computers to become more reliable, faster, smaller, and more efficient. The
development of ICs, credited to Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby, led to computers that required less
maintenance, generated less heat, and were less expensive.

Characteristics of Third Generation of Computors:


Integrated Circuits: Allowed for more compact and efficient designs.
Reduced Size and Heat: Smaller components generated less heat, reducing cooling requirements.
Increased Speed and Efficiency: Processing speeds improved significantly, with some systems capable of
executing millions of instructions per second2.
Improved Storage: These computers had larger storage capacities compared to previous generations

Disadvantages of Third Generation of Computors:


Cost: Despite being cheaper than previous generations, third-generation computers were still expensive
for many businesses and individuals.
Limited Software: Although high-level programming languages were more common, the software
ecosystem was still relatively limited compared to modern standards.
Heat Generation: While reduced compared to earlier generations, heat generation was still a concern,
requiring effective cooling systems.
Size: Although smaller than second-generation computers, they were still quite large by today’s standards.
Reliability: Integrated circuits improved reliability, but issues like hardware failures and bugs in software
were still there.

Fourth Generation of Computors:


The fourth generation of computers runs from 1971 to 1981. It was born with the development of the
Microprocessor that opens the doors to personal, commercial and domestic computers. A diversity of
games and programs of all kinds appeared. The emergence of software undoubtedly marks an
importance in the computer revolution, so this era is also known as the software generation

Characteristic of Fourth Generation of Computors:


The most important characteristic of fourth generation computers is undoubtedly their size, which was due
to the use of microprocessor technology. Due to this, they had other advantageous features:

Much less expensive.


More laptops.
Much smaller size.
Basic Computer Language.
More powerful and reliable than previous generations.
Fast processing power with less power consumption.
Commercial Production
Fifth Generation of Computors:
The fifth generation of computers is the most advanced generation still in progress. Here are some key
features of fifth-generation computers:
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Fifth-generation computers are based on AI principles. They aim to create machines that can learn,
reason, and make decisions similar to human intelligence. AI algorithms play a crucial role in their
operation.
Parallel Processing Hardware:
These computers leverage parallel processing, allowing them to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Parallelism enhances speed and efficiency.
It’s important to note that this generation is still evolving, with ongoing research and development. The
main goal is to create intelligent machines capable of self-organization and
learning.

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