ASSIGNMENT NO# 01

SUBJECT:
Introduction to Communication Technology
DEPARTMENT:
LLB(Hons)
TOPIC:
History and Generations of Computer
SUBMITTED TO:
Ma’am Nazish Razaq
ROLL-NO:
23
SECTION:
BLUE
SUBMITTED BY:
MIRZA HASSAN ZAHID
 History and Generations of Computers

Introduction
The history of computers dates back to ancient times when humans used simple tools
for calculation. Over the centuries, the development of computers has gone through
significant transformations, leading to the sophisticated digital machines we use today.
This assignment explores the key milestones in the history of computers and the five
generations of computer technology.

1. Pre-Mechanical Era (Before 1600s):

 Abacus (circa 2400 BCE): The earliest known calculating device, used for basic
arithmetic.
 Napier's Bones (1617): John Napier invented a set of rods for multiplication and
division, an early attempt at simplifying calculations.

2. Mechanical Era (1600s - 1800s):

 Blaise Pascal's Pascaline (1642): A mechanical calculator designed for addition
and subtraction.
 Leibniz's Step Reckoner (1673): Developed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, it
could perform multiplication and division.
 Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine (1830s): Often considered the first
concept of a general-purpose computer, with key features like a memory unit and
a processing unit, although it was never completed.

3. Early Electronic Computers (1930s - 1940s):

 Alan Turing (1936): Introduced the concept of the Turing Machine, a theoretical
model for computation that formed the foundation for modern computer science.
 Zuse Z3 (1941): Built by Konrad Zuse, it is considered the first programmable
digital computer.
 ENIAC (1945): The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer was one of
the first general-purpose digital computers, using vacuum tubes and capable of
solving complex mathematical problems.

4. Transistor Era (1950s - 1960s):

 Transistor Invention (1947): Replaced vacuum tubes, making computers
smaller, faster, more energy-efficient, and reliable.
 IBM Mainframes (1950s-60s): IBM's mainframe computers, such as the IBM
704, were powerful systems used for business and scientific applications.
  UNIVAC (1951): The Universal Automatic Computer, one of the first
commercially produced computers, was used for business and government
purposes.

5. Microprocessor Revolution (1970s - 1980s):

 Intel 4004 (1971): The world’s first microprocessor, allowing computers to
become smaller and more affordable.
 Apple I (1976) and IBM PC (1981): The personal computer (PC) revolution
began with affordable computers available to individuals and small businesses.
 Commodore 64 (1982): A highly successful home computer that helped bring
computing into homes across the world.

6. The Rise of Networking and the Internet (1990s - 2000s):

 World Wide Web (1990): Tim Berners-Lee’s invention of the web browser
transformed the internet, making information accessible to everyone.
 Personal Computers became common in homes, schools, and businesses, with
Microsoft Windows and Mac OS becoming dominant operating systems.
 Laptops and Mobile Devices (late 1990s - 2000s): Portable computing became
widely available with the development of laptops and later smartphones and
tablets, marked by devices like the iPhone (2007).

7. Cloud Computing, AI, and Advanced Computing (2010s -

Present):
 Cloud Computing (2010s): The rise of the internet allowed for services like
Google Drive, Dropbox, and AWS, enabling data storage and processing on
remote servers.
 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (2010s - Present): AI technology
became a critical part of computing, powering self-driving cars, facial recognition,
and voice assistants like Siri and Alexa.
 Quantum Computing (2020s): Although still in early stages, quantum
computers have the potential to revolutionize fields such as cryptography and
drug development.

8. The Future of Computing:

 The evolution continues with advancements in AI, edge computing, augmented
reality, and quantum computing, promising even more powerful and efficient
systems for a wide array of industries and daily life.
 GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS
First Generation Computers:
First-generation computers, which were created between the 1940s and 1950s,
represented the start of the computers. These computers employed vacuum tubes for
circuitry and magnetic drums for storage. First Generation Computers were too bulky
and large that they needed a full room and consumed a lot of electricity

Vacuum Tube:
An electron tube could be a vacuum tube or valve is a device that controls the flow of
electrical current during a high vacuum between electrodes so that an electrical
potential has been applied. Vacuum Tubes were employed in the first generation of
computers to perform calculations.

Examples of First Generation Computer:

 ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, built by J. Presper Eckert

and John V. Mauchly was a general-purpose computer. It had been cumbersome,
and large, and contained 18,000 vacuum tubes.
 EDVAC: Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer was designed by von
Neumann. It could store data also as instruction and thus the speed was
enhanced.
 UNIVAC: It was the world’s 1st commercially electronic computing device. it
absolutely was created by Eckert and Mauchly in 1947. It absolutely was delivered
to the North American country Bureau of a census in 1951 .
Second Generation Computer:
The second generation computers were used during 1957-1963. They are also known
as transistor computers. The second generation of computers consists of two types of
devices, transistors, and magnetic core. The transistors helped to develop a better
computer than the first generation computers consisting of vacuum tubes .

Characteristics of the second generation of computer are:

 Smaller in size: The Second generation of computers are much more smaller in
size than the first generation computers.
 Change in circuits: The main change is the use of transistors in place of vacuum
tubes( Vacuum tubes are used in first generation of 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.
 Language used: Assembly language is used instead of Machine Language(used
in first-generation computers) for programming in computers.
 Speed: Calculation of data could be done in microseconds.
 Cost: The cost of Second-generation computers is reduced in comparison to first-
generation computers.

Examples of second generations computers:

 IBM 1401
 CDC 1604
 UNIVAC III
 Honeywell 800
 IBM 7090
Third Generation Computers
Third generation computers start using integrated circuits instead of transistors. The
integrated circuit (IC) is a semiconductor material, that contains thousands of
transistors miniaturized in it.The third generation computers reduce the computational
time. In the previous generation, the computational time was microsecond which was
decreased to the nanosecond. In this generation, punch cards were replaced by
mouse and keyboard. Also, multiprogramming operating systems, time-sharing, and
remote processing were introduced in this generation

Integrated Circuits (ICs):

Integrated Circuits replaced individual transistors. These ICs were composed of many
transistors, resistors, and capacitors along with the associated circuitry on a single
silicon chip. This greatly reduced the physical size of computers, lowered costs, and
increased performance.

Examples of Third Generation computers:

 IBM System/360:

One of the most significant computers of this generation, the IBM System/360 was a
family of compatible computers that could perform both commercial and scientific tasks.
It introduced the concept of a computer family,

 PDP-8:

The PDP-8, produced by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), was the first
commercially successful minicomputer, making computing more accessible to smaller
businesses and institutions.

 Honeywell 6000 series:

This series of computers from Honeywell was known for its robust performance and
reliability, widely used in business and industrial applications.
Fourth Generation of Computers:
Fourth-generation computers were released in 1972. VLSI technology, or Very Large
Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits, was employed in these computers. As a result, they
were dubbed microprocessors. A microprocessor is made up of thousands of
integrated circuits that are assembled on a single chip known as a silicon chip.

Microprocessors:
The defining feature of the fourth generation was the introduction of microprocessors, which
integrated thousands of ICs onto a single silicon chip. This innovation drastically reduced the
size and cost of computers while increasing their processing power and efficiency.

Examples of Fourth Generation Computers.

 IBM PC:

Launched in 1981, the IBM PC became the standard for personal computing and
set the stage for the widespread adoption of PCs in homes and offices.

 Apple Macintosh:

Introduced in 1984, the Apple Macintosh was known for its user-friendly graphical
user interface, making it popular among consumers and creative professionals.

 Commodore 64:

Released in 1982, the Commodore 64 was one of the best-selling computers of

all time, known for its affordability and powerful graphics capabilities.
Fifth Generation of Computers
Fifth generation computers, also known as modern computers, are still in the
development stage and are based on artificial intelligence. In 1982 Japan invented
FGCS (Fifth Generation Computer System). Fifth generation computers use AI (Artificial
Intelligence) technology, which includes systems development, gameplay, and more.
This revolutionized the development of microprocessors. This enabled manufacturers to
assemble approximately 10 million electronic components onto a microprocessor chip.

AI (Artificial Intelligence):
The hallmark of the fifth generation is the use of AI technologies, enabling machines to perform
tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving,
and understanding natural language.

Examples:
 Google Deep Mind:

An AI research lab known for creating advanced AI systems, such as Alpha Go,
which defeated the world champion in the game of Go.

 Microsoft Azure AI:

A comprehensive set of AI services and tools provided by Microsoft, enabling

developers to build and deploy AI solutions across various industries.

 IBM Quantum:

IBM's initiative to develop quantum computers, providing researchers and

developers access to quantum computing resources through the IBM Quantum
Experience platform.
Generation Time Key
COMPARISON:
Component Size Speed Characteristics
Perio Technology
d

First 1940s - Vacuum Tubes Vacuum tubes, Very large Slow - Used vacuum tubes
Generation 1950s punched cards (milliseconds) for circuitry
- High power
consumption
- Primitive
input/output methods

Second 1950s - Transistors Transistors, Smaller Faster - Replaced vacuum

Generation 1960s magnetic tapes (microseconds) tubes with transistors
- More reliable, energy-
efficient, and faster

Third 1960s - Integrated Circuits ICs, keyboard, Smaller Faster - Use of integrated
generation 1970s (ICs) monitors (nanoseconds) circuits
- Introduction of
operating systems and
high-level
programming
languages
Fourth 1970s - Microprocessors Microprocessors, Even Faster Microprocessors made
Generation 1990s personal Smaller (picoseconds) computers smaller and
computers more affordable
- Rise of personal
computers, GUIs

Fifth 1990s - Artificial AI, parallel Compact to Extremely fast - Focus on AI, machine
Generation Present Intelligence (AI), processing, miniaturize (femtoseconds learning, and advanced
Parallel quantum d to real-time applications
Processing computing - Cloud computing,
high-speed processors
Conclusion:
The evolution of computers has been incredible, from large, slow machines to today’s
fast, powerful devices. Advancements like transistors, microprocessors, and AI have
made computers smaller, faster, and more integral to our daily lives. As we enter the
era of quantum computing and cloud technology, the future holds even more exciting
possibilities. With each breakthrough, computers continue to transform how we work,
communicate, and live, promising a more connected and advanced world ahead. As
technology progresses, it will likely open up new opportunities we haven't yet imagined,
further reshaping industries and improving our quality of life. The journey of computing
is far from over, and the best is yet to come.