Unit:1 Emerging Technologies
Topic: Generations of Computer
First Generation (1940-1956)
- Vacuum Tubes: Used as the primary electronic components
- Machine Language: Only programming language used
- No Operating System: Programs were loaded manually
- Large Size: Occupied entire rooms
- Low Speed: Performed calculations slowly and consumed a lot of power and
electricity.
Second Generation (1956-1963)
- Transistors: Replaced vacuum tubes for increased efficiency
- Assembly Language: Introduced for easier programming
- Batch Processing: Operating systems enabled automated processing
- Smaller Size: Computers became smaller and more reliable
- Faster Speed: Transistors increased processing speed. Power and electricity
consumption became less.
Third Generation (1964-1971)
- Integrated Circuits: Further miniaturized electronic components
- High-Level Languages: Programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN
emerged
- Multiprocessing: Operating systems enabled multiple tasks to run
concurrently
- Commercial Applications: Computers became widely used in businesses
- Improved User Interface: Keyboards and monitors became standard
input/output devices
Fourth Generation (1972-1990)
- Microprocessors: Central processing units (CPUs) contained on a single chip
- Personal Computers: Computers became affordable and accessible to
individuals
- Graphical User Interface (GUI): Visual interfaces like Apple’s Macintosh and
Microsoft’s Windows revolutionized user interaction
- Networking: Computers began to connect and communicate with each
other
- Increased Storage: Hard disk drives and floppy disks provided greater
storage capacity
Fifth Generation (1990-Present)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Computers began to incorporate AI and machine
learning capabilities
- Internet and World Wide Web: Global networking and information sharing
became ubiquitous
- Mobile Devices: Laptops, smartphones, and tablets transformed the way
people interact with computers
- Cloud Computing: On-demand access to computing resources and storage
over the internet
- Advanced User Interfaces: Touchscreens, voice assistants, and augmented
reality interfaces continue to evolve.
Devices
First Generation (1940-1956)
1. *UNIVAC 1* (1951) – Remington Rand
2. *ENIAC* (1946) – John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert
3. *EDVAC* (1949) – John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert
4. *IBM 701* (1953) – IBM
5. *Ferranti Mark 1* (1951) – Ferranti
Second Generation (1956-1963)
1. *IBM 1401* (1959) – IBM
2. *UNIVAC 1107* (1959) – Remington Rand
3. *CDC 1604* (1962) – Control Data Corporation
4. *DEC PDP-1* (1960) – Digital Equipment Corporation
5. *Honeywell 400* (1960) – Honeywell
Third Generation (1964-1971)
1. *IBM System/360* (1964) – IBM
2. *DEC PDP-8* (1965) – Digital Equipment Corporation
3. *Honeywell 6000* (1967) – Honeywell
4. *UNIVAC 1108* (1965) – Sperry Rand
5. *CDC 6600* (1964) – Control Data Corporation
Fourth Generation (1972-1990)
1. *Apple II* (1977) – Apple
2. *IBM PC* (1981) – IBM
3. *Commodore 64* (1982) – Commodore
4. *DEC VAX* (1977) – Digital Equipment Corporation
5. *Sun Microsystems Sun-1* (1982) – Sun Microsystems
Fifth Generation (1990-Present)
1. *Apple MacBook* (2006) – Apple
2. *Dell Inspiron* (1997) – Dell
3. *HP Pavilion* (1995) – HP
4. *Lenovo ThinkPad* (1992) – Lenovo
5. *Microsoft Surface* (2012) – Microsoft
