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Assignment 1

The document summarizes the five generations of computers from the first to the fifth generation. It outlines the key technologies used in each generation along with the main advantages and disadvantages. The first generation used vacuum tubes and were large, generated a lot of heat, and had small storage. Later generations saw the introduction of transistors, integrated circuits, microprocessors, and artificial intelligence which led to computers becoming smaller, faster, more energy efficient and powerful over time. However, newer technologies also introduced new issues like increased e-waste and cybercrime risks.

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Syed Naimatullah
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28 views

Assignment 1

The document summarizes the five generations of computers from the first to the fifth generation. It outlines the key technologies used in each generation along with the main advantages and disadvantages. The first generation used vacuum tubes and were large, generated a lot of heat, and had small storage. Later generations saw the introduction of transistors, integrated circuits, microprocessors, and artificial intelligence which led to computers becoming smaller, faster, more energy efficient and powerful over time. However, newer technologies also introduced new issues like increased e-waste and cybercrime risks.

Uploaded by

Syed Naimatullah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NAME: SYED NAIMATULLAH

DEPARTMENT: BS POLITICAL SCIENCE (1ST SEMESTER)

ASSIGNMENT NO: 1

REGISTRATION NO: 1051-FSS-BSPS-S23

1
Generations of Computer: 1st to 5th
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES:
INTRODUCTION:
Generations of computers are mainly divided according to the development of
computer technology. Each generation defines the major technological
developments on which computer systems were/are based.

In the early days of development, the 'generation of computers' was intended solely
to illustrate the differences between hardware technologies. However, nowadays the
term is the conclusion of both hardware and software changes involved in the path of
computer development.

First Generation (1946 – 1959)


ENIAC, short for Electronic Numeric Integrated and Calculator, is the
most popular example of the first generation computer .

Advantages of the First Generation Computers


The following are the main advantages of first-generation computers:
1• Vacuum tubes were used in first-generation computers
2• Computers were able to perform calculations in milliseconds.

Disadvantages of the First Generation Computers


The following are the main disadvantages of first-generation
computers:
1• First-generation computers were very large in size taking up entire room.
2• Storage capacity in computers was very small.
3• Computers of this generation generated too much heat.

2
Second Generation (1959 – 1965)
The second generation of computers began with the widespread use of
transistors. In this generation, vacuum tubes were no longer the main piece of
technology. They were replaced by transistors.

Advantages of the Second Generation Computers

The following are the main advantages of the second generation


computers:

1• Size was reduced because of transistors.

2• Computers became reliable, and were able to perform calculations faster.

3• Due to magnetic core technology, computers of this generation could store


instructions in memory.

Disadvantages of the Second Generation Computers

The following are the main disadvantages of the second generation


computers:

1• Second-generation computers required maintenance at regular intervals.

2• The cost of the computer was still high; however, less than the first
generation computer.

3
Third Generation (1965 – 1971)
Besides, advanced input-output devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, and
monitor were introduced in this generation. Before these devices, computers
used punch cards and printouts. In terms of languages, third-generation
computers used higher-level languages such as COBOL, BASIC, ALGOL-68,
PASCAL PL / 1, FORTRAN-II to IV, etc.

Advantages of the Third Generation Computers

The following are the main advantages of the third generation


computers:

1• Third-generation computers were smaller than previous-generation


computers.

2• Computers were fast, reliable, and could perform calculations in


nanoseconds.

3• Computers in the third generation produced less heat and became more
energy efficient than the previous generation.

Disadvantages of the Third Generation Computers

The following are the main disadvantages of the third generation


computers:

1• Third-generation computers also required a cooling system.

2• Production and maintenance of integrated circuits were difficult at that time.

3• The price of third-generation computers was still high for personal needs.

4
Fourth Generation (1971 – 1980)
The fourth-generation period is considered from 1971 to 1980. During this
generation, computers were developed using the microprocessor as the main
component of the technology. Microprocessors were also based on LSI (Large
Scale Integration) and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technologies. They
were developed by assembling several integrated circuits on a single silicon
chip.

Advantages of the Fourth Generation Computers


The following are the main advantages of the fourth generation
computers:
1 • Due to the compact size, the computer became widely available for
commercial and personal use.

2 • Fourth-generation computers were faster, smaller, reliable, more energy-


efficient than their predecessors.

3 • The amount of heat in fourth-generation computers was greatly reduced.

Disadvantages of the Fourth Generation Computers


The following are the main disadvantages of the fourth generation
computers:
1• The construction of VLSI circuits, and microprocessors, was complex and
required highly sophisticated technology and advanced technical skills.

2• A cooling fan was included in computers instead of an air conditioning


system. These cooling fans made noises with intense use of computers.

3• Fourth-generation computers still used integrated circuits and therefore high


technical skills were required to construct and assemble these ICs.

5
Fifth Generation (1980 to Present)
Fifth-generation computers are based on ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration)
technology, AI (artificial intelligence) software, and parallel processing
hardware. ULSI has revolutionized the development of microprocessors. Now,
about ten million electronic devices can be assembled on a single
microprocessor chip.

Advantages of the Fifth Generation Computers


The following are the main advantages of fifth-generation computers:
1• With the use of AI in the fifth generation, computers have become so smart
that they can understand human language and recognize pictures of individuals
and things.

2• However, they do not have the ability to think as human beings.

Disadvantages of the Fifth Generation Computers


The following are the main disadvantages of the fifth generation
computers:
1• With advanced features and accuracy, computers have also replaced humans
in various fields, increasing unemployment.

2• Due to the widespread use of computers in the fifth generation, the amount of
wastage of computers and their parts is increasing significantly.

3• Computers have also become a threat to personal use and businesses as there
are various types of cybercrimes that can cause damage to personal details as
well as financial losses.

The end

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