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C 1 History of Computers
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History of Computers

 Various early counting and calculating

devices
 Uses of these devices
 Year of invention
 Name of the inventor
 Pg. No . 1

John Logie Baird Guglielmo

in 1925 Marconi in 1907

Alexander Alexander
Graham Bell in Graham Bell in
1879 1876
History of Computers
How did people do lengthy calculations
in early times ?

• Stones, pebbles, bones, sticks and fingers of

their
hands to count and calculate.
• Also used ropes for long calculations.
• Later, counting boards were used to do
everyday calculations.
 History of
• In 3 century BCE, the Greek Mathematician
rd
Computers
Eratosthenes
invented a simple algorithm called the Sieve of
Eratosthenes.
• This algorithm is used to find all the prime
numbers up to any given limit.

 ABACUS – first calculating device

• In 6th century BCE, Abacus was invented by
the Chinese.
• Made of a wooden frame with beads strung on the
wire.
 Napier’s Bones - (1617)
• Invented by John Napier.
• In 16th century, started trading on a large scale.
• The numbers 0 to 9 were marked on a set of
ivory sticks.
• Also called as Napier’s rods.
• Napier’s inventions also led to the invention of
slide rule.
• It was first built in 1632 and was used by the
NASA engineers.
 Pascaline Calculator - (1642)
• Invented by Blaise Pascal
• First Mechanical Calculator
 Leibniz’s calculator - (1673)
• Invented by Gottfried Von Leibniz which was also
called as step Reckoner.
• Superior to Pascaline. It could add, subtract,
multiply
and divide numbers.
• It was used for various purposes in trade and
travel.
 Jacquard Loom- (1801)
• Invented by Jospeh Marie Jacquard
• It used punched cards to control the sequence
of operations.
 Difference Engine (1822)
• Invented by Charles Babbage.
• Automatic calculating machine.
• This machine was used to be used in calculating
and
printing simple mathematical tables.
• But he could not complete this machine.
 Analytical Engine (1834)
• Later in 1834, Charles Babbage invented the
Analytical Engine.
• Two main parts - Store and Mill .
• It had basic elements as the modern computer -
input, output, and memory devices.
 Tabulating Machine (1888)
• Invented by Herman Hollerith.
• Used to calculate the results of the US census.
• Punched cards were used to feed the data into
the machine.
• He completed the processing of census data in
about two years.
 Mark I- (1944)
• Howard H. Aiken in collaboration with IBM
• First programmable digital computer and
first fully automatic machine.
• First electro-mechanical computer, also called as
ASCC
ACTIVITY – HOME
STUDY
Find out who invented the
machines that we use in our
daily life. (Any 10 machines)
C 1 History of Computers
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2. Generations OF COMPUTERS
There are five generations of computers.,

First Generation Computers (1940 – 1958)

Second Generation Computers (1959 – 1964)
Third Generation Computers (1964 – 1970)
Fourth Generation Computers (1971 -
Present)
Fifth Generation Computers (Present &
Beyond)
First Generation Computers
(1940 – 1958)
 Characteristics
They used Vacuum tubes.
Huge in size.
Inputs – Punched cards and paper tapes.
Power consumption was very high.
First Generation Computers
(1940 – 1958)
Characteristics
Expensive to build and operate.
Could perform operations in milliseconds
They could not store much data.
Programming capacity was very low.
Examples of First Generation
Computers
Some examples of First Generation Computers are.,

ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)

EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator)

EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)

UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer I)

ENIAC -
(Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)
Developed by John Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly in 1946.
First electronic general-purpose computer.
consisted of 20,000 vacuum tubes.
weighed more than 27,000 kilograms.
 was built to carry out calculations for bombs,
missiles, and other artillery.
 EDSAC -
(Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator)
 designed by Professor M. Wilkes of Cambridge University
England, in the year 1949.
 Slightly faster than the ENIAC.
 First electronic computer that used
the concept of stored program.
 Weighed approximately 6000 kilograms.
 Occupied an area of 20 square metres.
EDVAC –
(Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)

 Was proposed by John Presper Eckert and

John W. Mauchly in 1944.
 John von Neumann joined them later
to help in designing the EDVAC.
 It was completed in 1948.
 weighed approximately 8000 kilograms
UNIVAC I
(Universal Automatic Computer 1)
 Was developed in 1951 by the same
developers of ENIAC., John Presper
Eckert and John W. Mauchly.
 First commercially available electronic
computer.
 Also the first computer to handle both
numeric and text data.
 weighed approximately 13000
kilograms
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY
MATCH THE FOLLOWING COLUMNS
Column A Column B

1. EDVAC a. Vacuum tubes

2. UNIVAC I b. Stored program
3. First Generation c. To handle both numeric
Computers and text data
4. ENIAC d. 1944

5. EDSAC e. Power consumption

was high
ACTIVITY – ANSWER
MATCH THE FOLLOWING COLUMNS
Column A Column B

1. EDVAC a. Vacuum tubes

2. UNIVAC I b. Stored program
3. First Generation c. To handle both numeric
Computers and text data
4. ENIAC d. 1944

5. EDSAC e. Power consumption

was high
 Comparison of First Generation Computers

Feature / Computer ENIAC EDSAC EDVAC UNIVAC I

Full Form Electronic Numerical Electronic Delay Storage Electronic Discrete Universal Automatic
Integrator and Computer Automatic Calculator Variable Automatic Computer I
Computer

Year Developed 1946 1949 1948 1951

Developed By Prof. M. Wilkes, John Presper Eckert & John Presper Eckert &
John Presper Eckert & Cambridge University John W. Mauchly, John W. Mauchly
John W. Mauchly designed with John von
Neumann
Purpose / Application Built to carry out First computer to use Early stored program First commercially
calculations for bombs, stored program concept computer available electronic
missiles, and artillery computer. Handled
numeric & text data
Weight Over 27,000 kg Approx. 6,000 kg Approx. 8,000 kg Approx. 13,000 kg

Notable Features First general-purpose Slightly faster than ENIAC Early stored program First commercially
computer; 20,000 vacuum computer available computer
tubes
Size Very large 20 square meters Very large Very large
PEER ACTIVITY – WHO AM I?
1. I am the First commercially available electronic computer
Answer: UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer 1)

2. I am the First electronic general-purpose computer.

Answer: ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer)

3. I am the first computer that used the concept of stored

program.
Answer: EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic
Calculator)

4. I am the first computer to handle both numeric and text data

Answer: UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer 1)
2. Generations OF COMPUTERS
There are five generations of computers.,

First Generation Computers (1940 – 1958)

Second Generation Computers (1959 – 1964)
Third Generation Computers (1964 – 1970)
Fourth Generation Computers (1971 -
Present)
Fifth Generation Computers (Present &
Beyond)
SECOND Generation Computers –
(1956 – 1963)
• Characteristics

 They used transistors.

 Smaller, faster and less costly.

 More efficient than the first generation

computers.
 Used punched cards for input.

 Programming languages used were COBOL and

 SECOND Generation Computers –
(1956 – 1963)
• John Bardeen
• Walter Brattain
• William Shockley
📅 Year of Invention: 1947
• 📍 Place: Bell Telephone Laboratories (Bell Labs), New Jersey, USA
• COBOL - common Business-Oriented Language
• FORTRAN - Formula Translation
• ALGOL - Algorithmic Language
• SNOBOL - String-Oriented Symbolic Language
Examples of Second Generation Computers
• IBM 1401 • RCA 501
THIRD Generation Computers (1964 –
1971)
Characteristics
 Transistors were reduced in size .
 Used Integrated Circuits (ICs), popularly known as
chips .
 Smaller in size and cheaper when compared to the
second-generation computers.
 Enhanced storage capacity than the second-generation
computers.
 Examples of 3rd generation computers
are PDP – 8, PDP -11, ICL – 2900, IBM
360 & 370 series.
THIRD Generation Computers (1964 –
1971)
Who Invented It?
•Jack Kilby (Texas Instruments) – 1958
•Robert Noyce (Fairchild Semiconductor) – 1959
Both independently invented versions of the IC and are credited as co-
inventors.

One small IC today can hold millions or even billions of transistors!

PDP - Programmed Data Processor-8

PDP-11 - Programmed Data Processor-11
ICL 2900 - International Computers Limited – Series 2900
IBM 370/360 - International Business Machines System/360
Examples of Third Generation Computers
Examples - IBM 360 series and 370 series
• IBM 360 • IBM 370
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY :
GRADE 5 – CHAPTER 1 – ALL ABOUT COMPUTERS – ACTIVITY
Worksheet:
Match the features listed below with the correct generation (2nd or 3rd generation).
Write the generation number in the box next to the feature.

Feature Generation (2nd or 3rd)

Computers were smaller and faster than before

Used punched cards for input

Mainframes used in large organizations

The development of high-level programming languages (e.g., COBOL,

FORTRAN)

More affordable for businesses and individuals

The use of silicon chips

Vacuum tubes replaced by smaller, more reliable transistors

VIDUAL ACTIVITY:
are the correct generations matched with the features:

Feature Generation (2nd or 3rd)

Computers were smaller and faster than before 3rd

Used punched cards for input 2nd

Mainframes used in large organizations 2nd

The development of high-level programming languages

2nd
(e.g., COBOL, FORTRAN)

More affordable for businesses and individuals 3rd

The use of silicon chips 3rd

Vacuum tubes replaced by smaller, more reliable

2nd
transistors
REAL LIFE ANALOGY
Second Generation Computers (1956–1963) – Applications:
• Business Data Processing
• Used for payroll, accounting, and inventory management.
• Example: Banks and insurance companies processed large amounts of data.
• Military & Government Use
• Used for code-breaking, communication, and simulations.
• Example: The U.S. military used them for missile tracking and defense systems.
• Scientific Research
• Used in universities and labs for complex calculations and experiments.
• Example: NASA used second-generation computers during early space missions.

Third Generation Computers (1964–1971) – Applications:

• Mainframe Computers in Organizations
• Widely used by large businesses and governments for centralized data processing.
• Example: Airlines used them for ticket reservations and flight scheduling.
• Banking Systems
• Handled electronic banking transactions and customer records more efficiently.
• Example: Introduction of ATMs and online banking roots.
• Healthcare
• Used for storing patient records and running medical equipment.
• Example: Early computer-assisted diagnosis systems.
PEER ACTIVITY:
Who am i? ( 2 min)
Each student should discuss with their peers and find out and write the
answers for the questions displayed based on the clue given.
Clue Answer

"I used transistors and was smaller than the first generation."

"I used integrated circuits and came with keyboards and monitors."

"I was mostly used in business and scientific fields during the 1960s."

"I made it possible for one computer to run more than one
program."

"I came before microprocessors were invented."

"I replaced vacuum tubes with something smaller."

PEER ACTIVITY: ANSWERS
Who am i? ( 2 min)
Each student should discuss with their peers and find out and write the
answers for the questions displayed based on the clue given.
Clue Answer

"I used transistors and was smaller than the first generation." Second Generation

"I used integrated circuits and came with keyboards and monitors." Third Generation

"I was mostly used in business and scientific fields during the
Second Generation
1960s."
"I made it possible for one computer to run more than one
Third Generation
program."

"I came before microprocessors were invented." Third Generation

"I replaced vacuum tubes with something smaller." Second Generation

SDG GOALS
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Energy Efficiency Progress:
 Transition from vacuum tubes to transistors (2nd Gen) and then to
integrated circuits (3rd Gen) greatly reduced energy consumption.
 Helped pave the way for eco-friendly technologies by minimizing
power use and heat waste.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
Goal: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and
reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss.
Environmental Monitoring:
o Early computer systems helped track deforestation, land usage,
and biodiversity data.
 SUMMARY

Science (Physics & Electronics):

Explore the technology: Study the physical properties of transistors and integrated circuits (ICs).

History:
Timeline work: Place the Second (1956–1963) and Third (1964–1971) Generation Computers in a broader historical
context—Cold War, Space Race, Civil Rights movement, etc.

Wrap-Up & Recap Quiz (3 minutes)

 Ask quick review questions:
• “Which computer was the second and third general-purpose one?”
• “What did early computers use instead of chips?”
• Give examples of each generation of computers
FOURTH Generation Computers
(1971 – pRESENT)
Characteristics
They used microprocessors – a
type of Very Large Scale
Integrated Circuit (VLSIC).
Dr. Ted Hoff – invented world’s
first microprocessor Intel 4004
Use of microprocessors - reduced
the size of the computer and its
cost Dr. Ted Hoff
FOURTH Generation Computers
(1971 – pRESENT)
Characteristics
Increased the speed, storage
space and reliability of the
computer.
Examples – IBM 4341, DEC 10,
STAR 1000, PUP 11, and APPLE II .
Major development – High speed
computer networking as LAN &
WAN
FOURTH Generation Computers
(1971 – pRESENT)
LAN – LOCAL AREA NETWORK
Computer network - interconnects
computers within a same building.
WAN – WIDE AREA NETWORK
Computer network covers
almost all over the world, a
Global connection.
Examples of Fourth Generation Computers

• IBM PC • Apple Macintosh

FIFTH Generation Computers
Involves Artificial
Intelligence (AI)

AI is a branch of
computer science that
aims to create
computers that can
think, behave and
react in the same way
as humans do.
FIFTH Generation Computers
Characteristics:
• They have AI
• They work with
multiple CPUs.
• Aimed to solve very
complex problems,
have decision-
making skills and
logical reasoning.
Characteristics of Computers:
• 1. 🚀 Speed • 4. 🔁 Diligence
• Definition: Computers can process millions of • Definition: Unlike humans, computers do not
instructions per second, performing complex suffer from fatigue; they can operate continuously
calculations rapidly. without loss of performance.
• Example: A supercomputer can perform up to 442 • Example: Servers run 24/7, managing websites and
quadrillion calculations per second, aiding in tasks online services without interruption.
like weather forecasting.
• 5. 🔄 Versatility
• 2. 🎯 Accuracy
• Definition: Computers can perform a wide range of
• Definition: Computers execute tasks with a high tasks, from word processing to complex
degree of precision, minimizing errors. simulations.
• Example: In financial institutions, computers • Example: A single computer can be used for
handle transactions with near-perfect accuracy, gaming, graphic design, programming, and more,
ensuring reliable operations. simply by changing the software.
• 3. 💾 High Storage
• Definition: Computers can store vast amounts of
data, from simple documents to complex
databases.
• Example: Modern computers can store terabytes
of data, accommodating extensive multimedia
libraries and large-scale applications.
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY – Match the features
Identify the Generation for Each Example
Write the correct Generation Number (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) next to each Example.

Example Generation
1. Siri, Alexa, Self-driving cars __________
2. ENIAC – the first massive
__________
computer
3. Apple Macintosh and IBM
__________
PCs
4. IBM 1401 – early transistor
__________
computer
5. IBM 360 – computer with IC
__________
technology
6. Used microprocessors;
__________
computers became small,
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY – Match the features
(ANSWERS)
Identify the Generation for Each Example
Write the correct Generation Number (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) next to each Example.

Example Generation
1. Siri, Alexa, Self-driving cars 5th Generation
2. ENIAC – the first massive
1st Generation
computer
3. Apple Macintosh and IBM
4th Generation
PCs
4. IBM 1401 – early transistor
2nd Generation
computer
5. IBM 360 – computer with IC
3rd Generation
technology
6. Used microprocessors;
computers became small, 4th Generation
 PEER ACTIVITY – WHO AM I?
1. I am the First commercially available electronic computer
Answer: UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer 1)

2. I used integrated circuits and came with keyboards and monitors

Answer: Third Generation Computers

3. I am the First electronic general-purpose computer.

Answer: ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)

4. I was mostly used in business and scientific fields during the 1960s.
Answer: Second Generation Computers

5. I Used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make computers think and learn.

Answer: Fifth Generation Computers
•GROUP ACTIVITY :

•Divide class into 3 groups.

•Each group represents one generations of computers and explains to
class with examples and also can include What it looked like, what it
could do, fun fact.
Recap Quiz (3 minutes)

 Name one fourth generation and one fifth generation computer.

 What makes the fifth generation computers smart?

• List two characteristics of a computer

Characteristics of Computers – Interactive Activities
1. Speed Challenge: Human vs. Computer
•Objective: Demonstrate the superior speed of computers in processing tasks.
•Materials: Stopwatch, simple math problems (e.g., 23 + 47), calculator or computer.
•Activity:
• Present students with a set of math problems.
• Time how long it takes for a student to solve them manually.
• Then, input the same problems into a calculator or computer and compare the time taken.
•Discussion: Highlight how computers can perform calculations in microseconds, emphasizing their speed advantage over
humans.
2. Accuracy Test: Manual vs. Computer Calculations
•Objective: Illustrate the accuracy of computers when provided with correct instructions.
•Materials: Calculator or computer, complex math problems.
•Activity:
• Have students solve complex math problems manually.
• Then, solve the same problems using a calculator or computer.
• Compare the results to identify any discrepancies.
•Discussion: Discuss how computers produce accurate results when given correct inputs, and how human errors can lead
to inaccuracies.
Characteristics of Computers – Interactive Activities
3. Memory Match: Understanding High Storage
•Objective: Understand the vast storage capacity of computers compared to human memory.
•Materials: A tray with various items (e.g., pencil, eraser, toy), cloth to cover the tray.
•Activity:
• Display the tray with items to students for 30 seconds.
• Cover the tray and ask students to list all the items they remember.
• Discuss the number of items they could recall.
• Then, show how a computer can store and recall vast amounts of data instantly.
•Discussion: Emphasize the computer's ability to store and retrieve large volumes of information accurately.
4. Diligence Relay: Human Fatigue vs. Computer Consistency
•Objective: Demonstrate the computer's ability to perform repetitive tasks without fatigue.
•Materials: Simple repetitive tasks (e.g., writing a specific word or number repeatedly).
•Activity:
• Ask students to perform a repetitive task for a set duration (e.g., write "data" continuously for 2 minutes).
• Observe and discuss signs of fatigue or errors over time.
• Compare this to a computer's ability to perform the same task consistently without errors or fatigue.
•Discussion: Highlight the computer's diligence and consistency in performing tasks.
5. Versatility Showcase: Multifunctional Computer
•Objective: Illustrate the versatility of computers in performing various tasks.
•Materials: Computer or tablet with different applications (e.g., drawing app, music player, word processor).
•Activity:
• Demonstrate different functions: drawing a picture, playing music, typing a document.
• Allow students to try out each function.
•Discussion: Discuss how computers can perform a wide range of tasks, showcasing their versatility.