Dhaka International University, Dhaka: Generation of Computer's

Dhaka International University, Dhaka
Assignment On
Generation of Computer’s
Submitted By:
Md. Mehedi Hasan
Roll: 05
Batch: 63
Shift: Day shift
Submitted to :
K.M Mohi Uddin
Assistant Professor
Dept. of CSE
Dhaka International University
Date: 21th May, 2021
Question: Describe briefly about generations of computers with features,

advantages, disadvantages and examples.
Answer:
Generation of Computers
1st Generation:
First Generation (1942-59): ENIAC
The period of the first generation was from 1942-1959. The computers of the first generation used
vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central Processing Unit).
These tubes, like electric bulbs, produced a lot of heat and the installations used to fuse frequently.
Features of 1st Generation:

▪ Technology used: vacuum tube.
▪ Machines languages were used to instruct the computer.
▪ Magnetic core memory was used as primary memory.
▪ Electrostatic tubes, Paper tape, punch card, magnetic tape.
▪ Punched cards, printing devices were used for input/output operations and store the result.
▪ It occupies very large space, slow processing, inefficient and unreliable due to low accuracy.
▪ Power consumption was very high and it generated much heat
▪ It could only perform straight forward simple numerical calculation.
▪ Computer used to be much expensive
Advantages of 1st Generation:
▪ It was used mostly for scientific applications.

▪ Only vacuum tubes were used in these generation computers.
▪ These generations computers were simple architecture.
▪ Facility for storing information.
▪ Disadvantages of 1st Generation:

▪ The computers were very large in size.
▪ They consumed a large amount of energy.
▪ They heated very soon due to thousands of vacuum tubes.
▪ They were not very reliable.
▪ Air conditioning is required.
▪ Constant maintenance was required.
▪ Not-portable.
▪ Costly commercial production
Example of this gen computer: ENIAC, EDVAC, IBM-701
2nd Generation:
Second Generation (1960-65): IBM7094
The main technology for Second Generation was transistors (1956-1963). The world saw a transistor
replace the vacuum tubes in the second generation of computers. The transistor was invented at Bell Labs
in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until the late 1950s.
Features of 2nd Generation:

▪ As the computers made in the second generation used transistors that made them more reliable,
smaller in size, faster in speed, more energy-efficient, and cheaper compared to the first generation of
computers.
▪ They contain magnetic storage disks and magnetic core memory.
▪ They used high-level languages such as Fortran and Cobol and allowed communication with the help
of a telephone line.
▪ The speed and reliability were improved in the second-generation computers as compared to the
computers made in the first generation; the data processing time reduced from milliseconds to
microseconds.
Advantages of 2nd Generation:

▪ The computers made in the second generation were smaller in size and more reliable as compared to
first-generation computers.
▪ The technology used in the second-generation computers made them capable of using less power
as compared to previous generation computers.
▪ As compared to first-generation computers, they provided better speed and were widely used
commercially.
▪ Furthermore, they improved accuracy and offered better portability.
Disadvantages of 2nd Generation:

▪ They still needed air conditioning in the computer's room even if they generated less heat.
▪ These computers were only used for particular objectives and needed frequent maintenance.
▪ The commercial production of these computers was not easy, and they needed a manual function
component.
▪ They were not very versatile as well as cheaper too.
▪ In the 2nd generation of computers, magnetic disks, tape drives, printers and other peripherals were
used.
▪ Furthermore, the technology was the same to take input like the first generation, used punch cards for
input.
Example of this gen computer: UNIVAC 1108, CDC 1604, HONEYWELL

400
3rd Generation:
Third Generation (1965-71):
The period of the third generation was from 1965-1971. The computers of the third generation used
Integrated Circuits (ICs) in place of transistors. A single IC has many transistors, resistors, and capacitors
along with the associated circuitry.
In this generation remote processing, time-sharing, multiprogramming operating systems were used.
High-level languages (FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68 etc.) were used during
this generation.
Features of 3rd Generation:

The main features of the third-generation computers were that they; used Integrated Circuits, reliable in
comparison to previous two generations, smaller in size, generated less heat, faster in terms of speed,
lesser maintenance, still costly, A.C needed, and consumed lesser electricity.
▪ Advantages of 3rd Generation:
▪ Smaller in size as compared to previous generations.

▪ More reliable.
▪ Used less energy.
▪ Produced less heat as compared to the previous two generations of computers. (First
Generation, Second Generation)
▪ Better speed and could calculate data in nanoseconds.
▪ Used fan for head discharge to prevent damage.
▪ Maintenance cost was low because hardware failure is rare.
▪ Totally general purpose.
▪ Could be used for high-level language.
▪ High storage capacity than the previous generation’s computer.
▪ Versatile to an extent.
▪ Less expensive.
▪ More accurate than previous.
▪ Used mouse and keyboard for input.
Disadvantages of 3rd Generation:
▪ Air conditioning was required.

▪ The highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips
Example of this gen computer: ALGOL-68, FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL
4th Generation:
▪ Fourth Generation (1972-present):
▪ 1971-1980 is the period of a fourth generation computer. This technology is based on

Microprocessors. 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.
▪ Features of 4th Generation:
▪ VLSI technology used.

▪ Very cheap.
▪ Portable and reliable.
▪ Use of PCs.
▪ Very small size.
▪ Pipeline processing.
▪ No AC required.
▪ Concept of internet was introduced
Advantages of 4th Generation:
▪ They were developed for totally general purpose use (general-purpose computers).
▪ Smaller in size and much more reliable than other generations of computers.
▪ The heat generation was negligible.
▪ No cooling system required in many cases of the fourth-generation computer.
▪ Portable and cheaper than the older versions.
▪ Fourth generations computers were much faster than the older generations.
▪ Graphics User Interface (GUI) technology was exploited to offer more comfort to users.
PCs became more affordable and widespread during this period.
▪ Less repairman time and maintenance cost.
▪ They were developed for commercial production as well.
▪ All types of High-level languages can be used in this type of computers
▪ Disadvantages of 4th Generation:
▪ The very advanced technology was required to fabricate to the ICs (Integrated Circuits).
▪ High quality and reliable systems or technology can only make the ICs.
▪ Cooler is required (Fan)
▪ The latest technology is required for the manufacturing of
Microprocessors
Example of this gen computer: STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-1
5th Generation:
Fifth Generation (1980 – present):
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
components.
Features of 5th Generation:
▪ ULSI technology.
▪ Development of true artificial intelligence.
▪ Development of Natural language processing.
▪ Advancement in Parallel Processing.
▪ Advancement in Superconductor technology.
▪ More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features.
▪ Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates
▪ Advantages of 5th Generation:
▪ It is more reliable and works faster.

▪ It is available in different sizes and unique features.
▪ It provides computers with more user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features.
▪ Disadvantages of 5th Generation:
▪ They need very low-level languages.

▪ They may make the human brains dull and doomed.
Example of this gen computer: Notebook from IBM, PC’s of Pentium,

Supercomputers with PARAM.

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Dhaka International University, Dhaka

Date: 21th May, 2021

Question: Describe briefly about generations of computers with features,

Features of 1st Generation:

Advantages of 1st Generation:

▪ It was used mostly for scientific applications.

▪ Disadvantages of 1st Generation:

Features of 2nd Generation:

Advantages of 2nd Generation:

Disadvantages of 2nd Generation:

Example of this gen computer: UNIVAC 1108, CDC 1604, HONEYWELL

Features of 3rd Generation:

▪ Smaller in size as compared to previous generations.

Disadvantages of 3rd Generation:

▪ Air conditioning was required.

Example of this gen computer: ALGOL-68, FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL

▪ 1971-1980 is the period of a fourth generation computer. This technology is based on

▪ VLSI technology used.

Advantages of 4th Generation:

▪ Disadvantages of 4th Generation:

Example of this gen computer: STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-1

Features of 5th Generation:

▪ Advantages of 5th Generation:

▪ It is more reliable and works faster.

▪ They need very low-level languages.

Example of this gen computer: Notebook from IBM, PC’s of Pentium,

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