FIRST GENERATIONS (1945-1956)

The first generation computers used vacuum tubes as the main electronic component,
ENIAC, EDVAC, and UNIVAC I are examples of first generation computers.

Advantage.

 These computers were the fastest calculating devices of their time. The ENIAC
was capable of performing 5000 additions or 350 multiplications per second.
Disadvantage.
 They were huge in size and heavy in weight
 They emitted a large amount of heat because of the usage of thousands of vacuum
tubes.
 They consumed more power and were very expensive.
 They used machine language which was cumbersome and machine-dependent.
That is a program written for one computer could not be executed on another
computer.
 SECOND GENERATION (1957-1963)

The second generation computers used transistors which were smaller and faster as
well as consume less power than vacuum tubes. ENIVAC 1401, IBM 700 and CDC 160
are examples of second generation computers.

Advantage.

 These computers were smaller in size and less bulky as compared to the first
generation computers
 They generated lesser amount of heat than he first generation computers.
 They are faster and less expensive as compared to the first generation computers.
Disadvantage.
 They were still costly and constant maintenance was required.
 They required a cooling system.
 They used punched cards for input.
 They used assembly language which was also machine-dependent.
 THIRD GENERATION (1957-1963)

The third generation computers used Integrated Circuits (ICS) in which the small
transistors were placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors. IBM 360, ICL 1900 and
VAX -750 are examples of third generation computers..

Advantage.

 These computers were smaller in size than the computers of earlier generations.
 Their speed and accuracy were better than the first and second generation
computers
 They generated lesser amount of heat and were less expensive then the
computers of earlier generation
 They were based on high level language which was easier to understand and
machine- independent.
Disadvantage.
 They required air conditioning.
 Highly sophisticated technology was required for the manufacturing of IC chips.
 FOURTH GENERATION (1971- Present)

The fourth generation computers are marked by the use of microprocessors. These
microprocessors used Very large scale Integration (VLSI) technology.

Advantage.

 These computers are the cheapest of all earlier generation computers

 They are smaller in size as compared to the computers of earlier generations
 They work at a very high speed and are more accurate and reliable than the
computers of earlier generations.
 They have an extremely large memory.
 They do not require cooling.

Disadvantage

 Microprocessors have limitations on the size of data.

 FIFTH GENERATION (1971- Present)

The fifth generation computers are based on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) technique.
Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science concerned with making
computers that can behave like humans.

computers are also widely used for a variety of tasks like space exploration, building
cars , surgery, weaponry and so on. The robot AIBO made by Sony features a variety of
senses such as touch, hearing, sight and balance.