Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Junior Secondary School 1

SUBJECT: ICT

CLASS:  JSS 1

DATE:

TERM: 1st TERM

 
WEEK 3

TOPIC: GENERATION OF COMPUTER

There are different generations of computers. The five generations of computers are as follows:

1. First generation computer
2. Second generation computer
3. Third generation computer
4. Fourth generation computer
5. Fifth generation computer

FIRST GENERATION COMPUTER (1945-1955):

 The first generation of computer was electronic Numerical Integrator and computer (ENIAC) .It was developed by John Presper Eckert and John W.Mauchly.These machines had vacuum tube, resistor, punched card or punched tape input and output devices and RAM. Examples of first generation computers include: ENIAC, EDSAC, UNIVAC 1, IBM650 and IBM608. (EDVAC: Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer), (UNIVAC: Universal Automatic Computer 1).

 FEATURES OF FIRST GENERATION ARE:

• Vacuum tube technology

• Unreliable

• Supported Machine language only

• Very costly

• Generate lot of heat

• Slow Input/output device

• Huge size

• Need of A.C.

• Non-portable

• Consumed lot of electricity

Some computers of this generation were:

• ENIAC

• EDVAC

• UNIVAC

• IBM-701

• IBM-650

SECOND GENERATION OF COMPUTERS (1956-1963)

Second generation of computers used translators which replace vacuum tube in the first generation of computers. The second generation replaced machine language with assembly language. In second generation computers, computer memory became larger. Programs were stored inside the computer’s memory. High –level language such as COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language), ALGOL (Algorithm Language) and FORTRAN (Formula Translator) were used.

Some computers of this generation were:

• IBM 1620

• IBM 7094

• CDC 1604

• CDC 3600

• UNIVAC 1108

FEATURES OF SECOND GENERATION OF COMPUTERS

1. They used translator technology
2. Faster than first generation computers
3. They generated lesser amount of heat
4. They were smaller than first generation computers
5. Instructions were written in high language
6. Instruction were coded in assembly language
7. They were less expensive to buy and power
8. They were faster and reliable
9. They had limited internal memory
10. They used external storage

THIRD GENERATION COMPUTER (1964-1971)

Third generation computer came with integrated circuit (IC), invented in 1958 by Jack Kilby.The operating system allows machines to run different programs. This period also witnessed the introduction of small and inexpensive computers that individual can afford. Examples of second generation are: ICL 1900, IBM360/370, Honeywell 200 series CDC 6000, and UNIVAC 1100.

The main features of Third Generation are:

1. They used integrated circuit technology
2. IC used
3. More reliable
4. Smaller size
5. Generate less heat
6. Faster
7. Lesser maintenance
8. Still costly
9. A.C. needed
10. Consumed lesser electricity
11. Support high-level language

Some computers of this generation were:

• IBM-360 series

• Honeywell-6000 series

• PDP(Personal Data Processor)

• IBM-370/168

• TDC-316

FOURTH GENERATION COMPUTER (1980S -1990)

Fourth generation computer  are the modern day computers which witnesses the development of the very small minuscule chip, large scale integrated circuits ,ultra large scale integrated circuits (ULSI) and enhanced types of integrated circuits also called microchips. It also witnesses microprocessor equipped with Real Only Memory(ROM).Examples of fourth generation of computers are : Intel’s 8080, IBM5100 PC, Commodore’s Amiga A10001,Pentium 1,Pwntium II ,Pentium III ,Pentium IV ,Pentium M ,Giga Pro,Celeron 

FEATURES OF FOURTH GENERATION OF COMPUTER

• VLSI technology used

• Very cheap

• Portable and reliable

• Use of PC's

• Very small size

• Pipeline processing

• No A.C. needed

• Concept of internet was introduced

• Great developments in the fields of networks

• Computers became easily available

Some computers of this generation were:

• DEC 10

• STAR 1000

• PDP 11

• CRAY-1 (Super Computer)

• CRAY-X-MP (Super Computer)

FIFTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS (21 CENTURY AND BEYOND)

They are the computers of the futures, they have high speed of operation, and they perform multiple tasks and have artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is term used to link human behaviour and characteristics in man-made machine. The method by which computers imitate human intelligence is called knowledge information processing system (KIPS).

Examples of fifth generation of computers are: Wallet PC.Vitual reality, Linux watch, wearable PC, Ballistic translator, PUMA, Cog, DANTE, WAMBOT-2 and HELPMATE.

Some computers types of this generation are:

• Desktop

• Laptop

• NoteBook

• Ultra Book

• Chrome Book

FEATURES OF FIFTH GENERATION COMPUTER

1. They will come in various forms and shapes
2. They will have high speed of operations.
3. They can take decisions.
4. They will have artificial intelligence
5. They will have relatively small size