Computer Generations

Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology a computer is/was being used. Initially, the generation term was used to distinguish between varying hardware technologies. But nowadays, generation includes both hardware and software, which together make up an entire computer system.

The development of electronic computers can be divided into five generations depending upon the technologies used. The following are the five generations of computers:

First Generation of Computers (1942-1955)

The beginning of commercial computer age is from UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer).

 It was developed by two scientists Mauchly and Echert at the Census Department of United States in 1947. They were based on vacuum tubes.

Examples of first generation computers are ENIVAC and UNIVAC-1.

Advantages

v  Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available during those days.

v  Vacuum tube technology made possible to make electronic digital computers.

v  These computers could calculate data in millisecond.

Disadvantages

v  The computers were very large in size.

v  They consumed a large amount of energy.

v  They heated very soon due to thousands of vacuum tubes.

v  They were not very reliable.

v  Air conditioning was required.

v  Constant maintenance was required.

v  Non-portable.

v  Costly commercial production.

v  Limited commercial use.

v  Very slow speed.

v  Limited programming capabilities.

v  Used machine language only.

v  Used magnetic drums which provide very less data storage.

v  Used punch cards for input.

v  Not versatile and very faulty.