Lesson 1.3 - 1.

4
Generations and Classification
of Computers
Reporter: Date:
Katrina Jean P. Samarita April 12, 2021
BSCE-2D
Lesson 1.3

Generations of
Computer
 Five Generations of Computer

1st generation of Computers:

(1940-1956)
Vacuum Tube-Based

1st
5th generation of computers: 2nd generation of computers:
(2010-present)
Artificial intelligence-Based 5th 2nd (1956-1963)
Transistor-Based

4th generation of computers: 4th 3rd 3rd generation of computers:

(1972-2010) (1964-1971)
Microprocessor-Based Integrated Circuit-Based
1st Generation of Computers: Vacuum Tube-based
(1940-1956)

• Main electronic component – vacuum tube

• Main memory – magnetic drums and magnetic

tapes

• Programming language – machine language

• Power – consume a lot of electricity and generate a

lot of heat.

• Speed and size – very slow and very large in size

(often taking up entire room).

• Input/output devices – punched cards and paper

tape.
1st Generation of Computers: Vacuum Tube-based
(1940-1956)

• Used vacuum tubes as the basic component for

memory and circuity for CPU

• Batch processing operating system was used

• Punch cards, paper tape and magnetic tpae was

used as input and outut devices

• Used machine code as the programming language

• Quantity – there were about 100 different vacuum

tube computers produced between 1942 and 1963.
1st Generation of Computers: Vacuum Tube-based
(1940-1956)

Main features:

• Vacuum tube technology

• Unreliable

• Supported machine language only

• Very costly

• Generated a lot of heat

• Slow input and output devices

• Huge size
1st Generation of Computers: Vacuum Tube-based
(1940-1956)

Main features:

• Need of AC

• Non-portable

• Consumed a lot of electricity

1st Generation of Computers: Vacuum Tube-based
(1940-1956)

Some computers of this generation:

• ENIAC

• EDVAC

• UNIVAC

• IBM-701

• IBM-650
2nd Generation of Computers: Transistor-based
(1956-1963)

• Main electronic component – transistor

• Memory – magnetic core and magnetic tape /

disk

• Programming language – assembly language

• Power and size – low power consumption,
generated less heat, and smaller in size (in
comparison with the first generation computers).

• Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in

comparison with the first generation computers).

• Input/output devices – punched cards and

magnetic tape.
2nd Generation of Computers: Transistor-based
(1956-1963)

• Transistors were used that were more cheaper,

consumed less power, more compact in size, more
reliable, and faster than the first generation machine

• Magnetic cores were used as primary memory and

magnetic tapes and magnetic disks as secondary
storage devices

• Assembly language and high-level programming

language like FORTRAN, COBOL was used.

• Used batch processing and multi-programming

operating system
2nd Generation of Computers: Transistor-based
(1956-1963)

Main features:

• Use of transistors

• Reliable

• Smaller size

• Generated less heat

• Consumed less electricity

• Faster

• Still very costly

2nd Generation of Computers: Transistor-based
(1956-1963)

Main features:

• Requires AC

• Supported machine and assembly language

2nd Generation of Computers: Transistor-based
(1956-1963)

Some computers of this generation:

• IBM 1620

• IBM 7094

• CDC 1604

• CDC 3600

• UNIVAC 1108
3rd Generation of Computers: Integrated circuits-based
(1964-1971)

• Main electronic component – integrated

circuits (ICs)

• Memory – large magnetic core, magnetic tape /

disk

• Programming language – high level language

(FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal, COBOL, C, etc.)

• Size – smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than

second generation computers (they were called
minicomputers).

• Speed – improvement of speed and reliability (in

comparison with the second generation
computers).
3rd Generation of Computers: Integrated circuits-based
(1964-1971)

• Input / output devices – magnetic tape,

keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.

• Used integrated circuits

• Single IC has many transistors, resistors, and

capacitors along with the associated circuitry

• IC was invented by Jack Kilby. This development

made computers smaller in size, reliable, and
efficient

• Remote-processing, time-sharing,
multiprogramming operating system were used

• High-level languages: FORTRAN II to IV, PASCAL,

PL/I, BASIC, ALGOL 68, etc, were used.
3rd Generation of Computers: Integrated circuits-based
(1964-1971)

Main features:

• IC used

• More reliable

• Smaller size

• Generated less heat

• Faster

• Lesser maintenance

• Costly
3rd Generation of Computers: Integrated circuits-based
(1964-1971)

Main features:

• Requires AC

• Consumed less electricity

• Supported high-level language

3rd Generation of Computers: Integrated circuits-based
(1964-1971)

Some computers of this generation:

• Honeywell 6000 series

• PDP (Personal Data Processor)

• IBM - 370/168

• TDC - 316
4th Generation of Computers: Microprocessors
(1972-2010)

• Main electronic component – very large-scale

integration (VLSI) and microprocessor.

• VLSI– thousands of transistors on a single

microchip.

• Memory – semiconductor memory (such as RAM,

ROM, etc.)

• RAM (random-access memory) – a type of data

storage (memory element) used in computers
that temporary stores of programs and data
(volatile: its contents are lost when the computer
is turned off).
4th Generation of Computers: Microprocessors
(1972-2010)

• ROM (read-only memory) – a type of data

storage used in computers that permanently
stores data and programs (non-volatile: its
contents are retained even when the computer is
turned off).

• Programming language – high level language

(Python, C#, Java, JavaScript, Rust, Kotlin, etc.).

• A mix of both third and fourth

generation languages

• Size – smaller, cheaper and more efficient than third

generation computers.
4th Generation of Computers: Microprocessors
(1972-2010)

• Speed – improvement of speed, accuracy, and

reliability (in comparison with the third generation
computers).

• Input / output devices – keyboard, pointing devices,

optical scanning, monitor, printer, etc.

• Network – a group of two or more computer

systems linked together.
4th Generation of Computers: Microprocessors
(1972-2010)

Main features:

• VLSI technology used

• Very cheap

• Portable and reliable

• Used of PCs

• No AC required

• Concept of internet was introduced

• Great developments in the fields of networks

• Easily available
4th Generation of Computers: Microprocessors
(1972-2010)

Some computers of this generation:

• DEC 10

• STAR 1000

• PDP II

• CRAY 1 (Super computer)

• CRAY X MP (Super computer)

5th Generation of Computers: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(2010-present)

• Main electronic component: based on artificial

intelligence, uses the Ultra Large-Scale Integration
(ULSI) technology and parallel processing method.

• ULSI – millions of transistors on a single

microchip

• Parallel processing method – use two or more

microprocessors to run tasks simultaneously.

• Language – understand natural language

(human language).

• Power – consume less power and generate less

heat.
5th Generation of Computers: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(2010-present)

• Speed – remarkable improvement of speed,

accuracy and reliability (in comparison with the
fourth generation computers).

• Size – portable and small in size, and have a huge

storage capacity.

• Input / output device – keyboard, monitor, mouse,

trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, pen, speech
input (recognise voice / speech), light scanner,
printer, etc.
5th Generation of Computers: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(2010-present)

• VLSI technology becomes ULSI technology, resulting

in production of microprocessor chips having ten
million electronic components.

• Based on parallel processing hardware and artificial

intelligence (AI) software.

• AI is an emerging branch of computer science,

which interprets the means and method of making
computers think like human beings.

• All high-level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net,

etc. are used.
5th Generation of Computers: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(2010-present)

AI includes:

• Robotics

• Neutral networks

• Game playing

• Development of expert systems to make decision

• Natural language understanding and generation

5th Generation of Computers: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(2010-present)

Main features:

• ULSI technology

• Development of true artificial intelligence

• Development of natural language processing

• Advancement in parallel processing

• Advancement of super-conductor technology

• More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia

features

• Availabilty of very powerful and compact computers

at cheaper rates.
5th Generation of Computers: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(2010-present)

Some computer types:

• Desktop

• Laptop

• Smartphone

• Notebook

• Ultrabook

• Chromebook

• Tablets
Lesson 1.4

Classification of
Computer
Classification of Computers
By Size
1. Super Computer
2. Mainframe Computer
3. Mini Computer BY SIZE
4. Micro Computer

BY
PURPOSE BY TYPE

By Purpose By Type
1. General Purpose 1. Analog Computer
2. Special Purpose 2. Digita Computer
3. Hybrid Computer
Classification of Computers: By size

1. Super computers

• fastest and powerful, and expensive type of
computer for processing data.

• Supercomputers’ size and storage capacity are also

huge (can occupy huge premises) designed to
process vast amounts of data in a short time with
high productivity.

• made to perform multi-specific tasks. Therefore,

many CPUs work in parallel order on these
supercomputers.

• This function of a Supercomputer is called

Multiprocessing or Parallel Processing.
Classification of Computers: By size

• design is complicated, like it can be heterogeneous,

combining computers of different architectures, is
significantly surpassed most existing personal
computers. This made this machine an ultra-high
performance supercomputer.

• Each part of a supercomputer is responsible for its

own specific task, such as structuring and solving
the most complex problems requiring an incredible
amount of calculations.
Classification of Computers: By size

Applications:

• In research and study of energy and nuclear

weapons and designing the aircraft, airplanes, and
flight simulators.

• Climate research and Weather Forecasting and

Prediction of Natural Disasters.

• Spaceship and Satellite Launching.

• Used in scientific research laboratories.

• Used in Chemical and Biological research and for

highly calculation complex tasks.
Classification of Computers: By size

2. Mainframe computers

• are multi-programming, high
performance computers, and multi-user

• it can handle the workload of more than 100 users at

a time on the computer.

• The storage capacity of the mainframe is enormous,

with a high-speed data process as well. As well as
handling hundreds of input and output devices at a
time.

• highly efficient computer capable of simultaneously

solving complex calculations and continuously for a
long time. These computers have several
microprocessors that have the ability to function the
data at too high performance and speed.
Classification of Computers: By size

Applications:

• mainly used by departmental and commercial

organizations like:
• Banks
• Companies
• Scientific research centers
• governmental departments like railways.

•can work for 24 hours. Hundreds of users can work on

these computations simultaneously.

•mainframe completes the tasks, Such as keeping

details of payments, research centers, advertising,
sending bills and notices, paying employees, ticket
booking, maintaining details of purchases by users,
keeping detailed tax details, etc.
Classification of Computers: By size

3. Mini computer

• a digital and multi-user computer system with the

connection of more than one CPU.

• many people can work on these computers

simultaneously instead of a single person.

• can process with other accessories like a printer,

plotter, etc.

• medium type of computers that have more

functionality power and expensive than
microcomputers.

• the size, storage, and speed of minicomputers

are large but less than the mainframe and
supercomputers.
Classification of Computers: By size

• made for performing a lot of computers at a single

point of time, instead of assigning many
microcomputers for every task, which will be time-
consuming and expensive.

• multi-threaded system (several processes at a time)

capable of supporting from one to up to 200 users
simultaneously: these computers are currently used
to store large databases, multi-user applications, and
the automation industry.
Classification of Computers: By size

Applications:

•used as real-time applications in:

• Industries
• bookings
• Research Centres.

•Banks also use minicomputers for preparing payroll

for employees’:
• salaries
• records
• racking of financial accounts
• etc.
Classification of Computers: By size

4. Micro computer

• Today we are using many computers at home is also

the most common microcomputer. With this
invention of the microprocessors in the year 1970, it
became possible to use computers for people
personally at a low cost and reasonable price known
as Digital Personal Computer.

• The design of microcomputers is minimal in size and

storage capacity. These computers consist of many
parts like Input and Output devices, Software,
operating systems, networks, and Servers all these
need to connect to form a complete Personal Digital
Computer.
Classification of Computers: By size

• There is not only a PC or laptop are examples of

microcomputers. Other examples of the
microcomputer are smartphone, Tablet, PDA, server,
palmtop, and workstation.

• The primary purpose of microcomputers is to keep

and process everyday tasks and needs of the people.
Only one person can work on a single PC at a time,
but its operating system is multitasking. The PC can
be connected to the Internet to take benefits and
enhance the user experience.
Classification of Computers: By size

Applications:

•PC is being widely used in many fields like:

• home
• office
• data collection
• business
• education
• entertainment
• publishing
• etc.

•It keeps the details and prepares letters for

correspondence in small businesses, creating bills,
accounting, word processing, and operation of the
filing systems in a large company.
Classification of Computers: By purpose

1. General purpose

• can do various everyday tasks such as:

• writing a word processing letter
• document preparation
• recording
• financial analysis
• printing documents
• creating databases
• calculations with accuracy and consistency.

• The size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers are mainly less. The ability of
these computers is limited in performing specialized tasks. Still, it has versatility and
useful for serving people’s basic needs at home or in the workplace in the
environment.
Classification of Computers: By purpose

• Examples:
• desktops
• laptops
• smartphones
• tablets are used on daily basis for general
purposes.
Classification of Computers: By purpose

2. Special purpose

• designed to perform a particular or specialized task.

• size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers mainly depend on the nature
and size of the work.

• function of these computers is consistent with any particular task.

• needs specific processors and input and devices to conduct work efficiently.

• used for special purposes:

• weather forecasting
• space research
• agriculture
• engineering
Classification of Computers: By purpose

• meteorology
• satellite operation
• traffic control
• research in chemical sciences.

• Examples:
• Automatic teller machines (ATM),
• Washing machines,
• Surveillance equipment,
• Weather-forecasting simulators,
• Traffic-control computers,
• Defense-oriented applications,
• Oil-exploration systems,
• Military planes controlling computers.
Classification of Computers: By type

1. Analog computer

• performs tasks using continuous data (the physical

amount that changes continuously).

• used primarily to measure physical units like voltage,

pressure, electric current, temperature, and convert
them into digits.

• used to measure and perform arithmetic calculations

of numbers, the length of an object, or the amount
of voltage that passes through a point in an
electrical circuit.

• obtain all their data from some measurement way.

• mainly used in the fields of science and engineering.

Classification of Computers: By type

2. Digital computer

• represents the digital computer’s letters, numerical

values, or any other special symbols.

• calculates the number for processing the data.

• run on electronic signs, and the binary numeral

method Binary System 0 or 1 is used for calculation.
Their speed is fast.

• can perform arithmetic operations such as addition,

occurrence, subtraction, multiplication, or division
and all types of logical(mathematical) operations.

• are built to bring the solution of equations to an

almost unlimited precision, but in a bit slow manner
compared to analog computers.
Classification of Computers: By type

• Other Examples of Digital Computers

• Personal Desktop Computers,
• Calculators,
• Laptops
• Smartphones
• Tablets,
• Digital watch
• Accounting machines
• Workstations
• Digital clock
• etc.
Classification of Computers: By type

3. Hybrid computer

• is a combined complex computer unit built using

both analog and digital properties

• united by a single control system

• purpose of designing hybrid computers is to provide

functions and features that can be found on both
analog and digital devices.

• aim behind creating a hybrid computer is to create a

kind of work unit that offers the best of both types
of computers. 

• extremely fast when driving equations, even when

those calculations are incredibly complex.
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