Historical evolution of computers

Calculations have always been part of man's life. Simpler calculations take less time but complex
calculations take much longer time. With the idea of developing a machine which could perform
complex calculations faster and with full accuracy, man invented the ‘computer’. Computer is
derived from the word “compute” which means “calculate” meaning that a computer is simply a
calculating machine.
Computers range from very small to very large machines with some capable of doing millions of
calculations in a single second, while others may take longer periods of time to do even the
simplest calculations

Generations of Computers
Computers of specific electronic period are referred to as a generation. Each generation is
characterized by a major technological development that changed the way computers function.

Definition: A computer generation is a period in the history of computer technology. There are
five (5) computer generations.
1. First Generation (1945-1955)
First generation computers were made using vacuum tubes. These computers were very large
taking up entire rooms, very expensive and used too much electricity. Some examples of first
generation computers are ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator), EDSAC
(Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator) and UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic
Computer I).

2. Second Generation (1955-1965)

Second Generation computers used Transistors. The transistor was faster, cheaper and consumed
less energy than the first generation

3. Third Generation (1956-1980)

Third generation computers were designed with the use of integrated circuits (ICs). Integrated
circuits made it possible to put a large number of transistors into very small surface area known
as chip, which allowed the device to run many different applications at one. Computers became
again smaller and cheaper.

4. Fourth Generation
Microprocessor was used in the fourth generation of computers. What in the first generation
filled an entire room could now be held in the palm of the hand.

5. Fifth Generation (1980 - present)

Fifth generation computing devices are based on artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is a
technology that tries to make computers behave like humans.
 Types of Computers
Computers can be classified into four categories, on the basis of their size and capabilities. The
size of the computer may refer to size of the memory, number of terminals that can be connected
to the computer, storage capacity of the hard disk and the type of processor used in the computer.
These categories are supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers and
microcomputers.

1. Microcomputers
Microcomputers are the smallest category of computers that are like handheld devices. They are
the type of computers meant for public use. They are designed to be used by one person at a
time. Microcomputers, also called personal computers (PC).

2. Minicomputers
Minicomputers are larger and faster than microcomputers and are designed to support more than
one user at a time. Another name for minicomputers is “mid-range computers.” Two examples of
minicomputers are the Digital Equipment Corporation VAX and the IBM AS/400.

3. Mainframe Computers
Mainframes are powerful multi-user computers capable of supporting up to hundreds of users at
the same time. They operate at very fast speed and have very large storage capacities. They are
used by large organizations like meteorological companies.

4. Supercomputers
Supercomputers are the fastest and most expensive type of computers. They can perform
hundreds of millions of computations per second and are used for specialized applications that
require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. Weather forecasting, scientific
simulations, all require supercomputers. Examples of supercomputers are Fujitsu K computer,
IBM Blue Gene.