EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY

What is computer?
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to
store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type
documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web.

First generation of computers (1940-1956)

The first generation of computers is generally known as electromechanical computers or using
vacuum tubes. For example, ENIAC has used Vacuum tubes, relied on Machine Language and Boolean
logic. A computer using vacuum tubes is very slow in executing programs compared to present-day
computers.

Second generation computers (1956-1963)

Computers developed between 1959-1965 the second generation computers. These computers
were more reliable and in place of vacuum tubes, used transistors. This made them far more
compact than the first generation computers. The input for these computers were higher level languages
like COBOL, FORTRAN etc.

Third generation computers (1964-1971)

Third-generation computers used integrated circuits in place of transistors. With the use of
integrated circuits, these computers became reliable, generated less heat, were small in size, fast, very
less maintenance, and were inexpensive.

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Fourth generation computers (1972-1990)
These computers used the VLSI technology or the Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits
technology. Therefore, they were also known as the microprocessors. Intel was the first company to
develop a microprocessor.

Fifth generation computers (PRESENT AND BEYOND)

The Fifth Generation computers are defined as the computers which will be used predominantly in
1990s. Supercomputers will be used in scientific and engineering calculations and simulations.
Database machines and present mainframe computers will be networked in order to organize worldwide
information systems.

TLE 6 ICT/PRECY GRACE COLALJO BUYCO