Computer Generations

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Learner Outcomes:

Upon successful completion, learners will be able to:

 discuss the history of computers

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Computer generations

 A computer generation is a step in technology.

 It provides a framework for the growth of the computer
industry.

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First generation (1942 – 1955)

 ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC ETC.

 Vacuum tubes
 Milliseconds
 Bulky (not portable)
 Unreliable
 Overheated
 Limited commercial use
 Costly

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Second generation (1955 – 1964)

 Transistors
 More reliable
 Smaller in size
 Microseconds
 Better portability
 Wider commercial use
 Costly

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Third generation (1964 – 1975)
 Microelectronics
 Integrated circuits
 Silicon chips
 Smaller in size
 More reliable
 Less heat generated
 Nanoseconds
 Maintenance cost low
 Easily portable
 General purpose
 Less power requirement
 Commercial production easier and cheaper
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Fourth generation (1975 onwards)
 SSI, MSI, LSI, VLSI
 Single chip (integrated)
 Smallest in size
 Reliable
 No air conditioning required
 Faster
 Easily portable
 Totally general purpose
 Cheapest
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Fifth generation (yet to come)

 ULSI Technology
 True Artificial intelligence
 Understands natural language
 Parallel processing
 Supports voice recognition
 More user friendly interfaces
 Differ in size, speed and storage capacity

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Inventions

 John Napier – Numbering rods

 Blaise Pascal – Calculating machine
 Gottfried von Leinbitz – Calculating machine
 Charles Babbage – Difference engine, analytical engine
 Joseph Marie- Jacquard – Automatic loom
 Herman Hollerith – Punched card
 Mauchly & Eckert - Univac

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Exercise: What are the features of each
generation of computers?
 First
 Second
 Third
 Fourth
 Fifth

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Practice questions

 1. Which technology was used in second generation

computers?
 A. Integrated circuits
 B. Vacuum tubes
 C. Transistors
 D. ULSI

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PRACTICE QUESTION

 2. Vacuum tubes were used in which generation?

 A. First
 B. Second
 C. Third
 D. Fourth

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PRACTICE QUESTION

 3. Which is a feature of fifth generation computers?

 A. Overheating
 B. Transistors
 C. MSI
 D. Artificial intelligence

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