NAME: OYEYEMI DORCAS

CLASS: JSS 2
CLASS TEACHER: MRS JANET

Generations of Computer

First Generation (1940-1956): Everything started with vacuum tubes. These were
widely used in the first computer systems for circuitry, while magnetic drums were used for
memory. 

As you’re most likely aware, these first computers were huge, and would quite often take up an
entire room. Not only this, they were expensive to run, used a lot of electricity, and were
limited to what they could do – they certainly couldn’t multitask, that was for sure.

J.P.Eckert and J.W.Mauchy invented the first successful electronic computer called ENIAC, ENIAC stands
for “Electronic Numeric Integrated and Calculator”.

1946-1959 is the period of first generation computer.

In a sense, these machines were just giant calculators.

 Few Examples are: 

1. ENIAC
2. EDVAC
3. UNIVAC
4. IBM-701
5. IBM-650
Second Generation (1956-1963): Next, there was the introduction of transistors,
which came in to replace vacuum tubes. The creation came about at Bell Labs in 1947, although
they weren’t commonly used in computers until the late 1950s.

1959-1965 is the period of second-generation computer.

Second generation computers were based on Transistor instead of vacuum tubes.

Not only were transistors smaller, but they were also cheaper to build, more energy-efficient,
and worked at a faster speed. Their only downside was that they generated a lot of heat, which
could cause damage to the computer. However, it was still a great improvement to its
predecessor. 

 Few Examples are: 

1. Honeywell 400
2. IBM 7094
3. CDC 1604
4. CDC 3600
5. UNIVAC 1108

Third Generation (1964-1971): Third-generation computers were where we saw the

introduction of integrated circuits (IC), which are still in use today. These reduced the size of the
computer even more than the second generation and, again, sped things up. 

1965-1971 is the period of third generation computer, these computers were based on
Integrated circuits, IC was invented by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby In 1958-1959, IC was a
single component containing number of transistors.

The first two generations relied on punch cards and printouts, whereas now, we finally start
seeing keyboards and monitors that are interfaced with an operating system. Thanks to these
advances and a central program to monitor memory, computer devices could now run multiple
applications at once.

 Few Examples are: 

1. PDP-8
2. PDP-11
3. ICL 2900
4. IBM 360
5. IBM 370
Fourth Generation (1971-2010): In the fourth generation of computers, the invention of
the microprocessor (commonly known as CPU) helped to get computers to the desk and, later, lap-size
that we still know and use today.  
In 1981, we saw the first home computers, brought to us by IBM, and in 1984, the first Apple
Macintosh was introduced. Over time these small computers became more powerful and,
before long, the Internet was developed.

1971-1980 is the period of fourth generation computer; this technology is based on

Microprocessor, This technology is based on Microprocessor, A microprocessor is used in a
computer for any logical and arithmetic function to be performed in any program, Graphics User
Interface (GUI) technology was exploited to offer more comfort to users.

Not only do we have monitors and keyboards, at this time, but also mice and, eventually,
handheld devices like cell phones.

 Few Examples are: 

1. IBM 4341
2. DEC 10
3. STAR 1000
4. PUP 11

Fifth Generation (Present Day): Although we are still using technology from the
fourth generation of information technology, we are now going into a new age: the fifth
generation. 

The biggest thing to date is the introduction of artificial technology (AI) and features such as
Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa. AI is constantly adapting and, moving forward, is expected to
become more tailored towards individual business needs. 

The period of the fifth generation in 1980-onwards, This generation is based on artificial
intelligence, The aim of the fifth generation is to make a device which could respond to natural
language input and are capable of learning and self-organization, This generation is based on
ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology resulting in the production of microprocessor
chips having ten million electronic component.

The hope, as this generation progresses, is that computers can begin to learn self-organization,
which sounds pretty appealing if organization isn’t something that comes naturally to you!

 Few Examples are: 

1. Desktop
2. Laptop
3. Notebook
4. Ultra Book
5. Chrome book