8

2 Generation of ComputerGeneration of ComputerIn the previous chapter, we have learnt about the working of a computer but have you

ever thought when was a computer developed? Let us find it out in this chapter.

The computer that we see today has not developed overnight. It has taken decades of

human efforts to see the computer in its present form.

Computers were born when our grandparents were of young age, almost 70 years ago.

But at that time, very few people were aware of them.

We normally divide computers into Five Generations based on the stages of

development. Let us study them in detail.

FIRST GENERATION

The years, 1942–55 saw the development of First generation computers. These

computers were very different from the computers we see now. UNIVAC, ENIAC,

EDVAC are some of the examples of computers of this generation. These computers

were taller than man, i.e. quite huge physically. They had no monitor or keyboard.

These computers used thousands of Vacuum Tubes. So, large amount of electricity

was consumed and a lot of heat was produced. Computers of this generation were very

slow and expensive too.

Do you know?

Vacuum Tubes are the glass

tubes with circuits inside it.

UNIVAC

9

SECOND GENERATION

The years, 1956 63 saw the Second generation computers. IBM 7090, ATLAS, IBM

7094 are some of the examples of computers of this generation. These computers

consumed less electricity and produced less heat as compared to the First generation

computers. Transistors were used in this generation. One transistor replaced 40

vacuum tubes.

The first computer of this generation was developed for the atomic energy industry.

–

THIRD GENERATION

The computers developed during 1964 71 were called the Third generation

computers. IBM 360, IBM 370 are some of the examples of computers of this

generation. Keyboard, Monitor and Operating System were introduced in this

generation. Computers, for the first time, were made available to the public. These

computers required less space, were faster and consumed less energy as compared to

the previous generations. Transistors were replaced by Integrated Circuits (ICs)

known as Chips.

–

Do you know?

A Transistor contains at least

three terminals. It is used as a

switch to open or close a circuit.

IBM 7090

Do you know?

An Integrated Circuit (IC) contains

millions of electrical switches on a

single chip.

IBM 370

10

Personal Computer

FOURTH GENERATION

The Fourth generation computers, i.e. from 1971 onwards are the Modern

Computers that we use now a days. Personal Computer is an example of this

generation. The size of the computer has decreased with the improvement in the

integrated circuits. This generation started using Microprocessors. Mouse has also

been introduced in this generation that made the working of the computer very fast and

easy.

- -

Do you know?

Microprocessors contain

thousands of Integrated

Circuits on a single chip.

FIFTH GENERATION

Development in the computers does not stop in the Fourth generation only. In the

present time, lot of research is going on in this field, bringing out the Fifth generation

computers.

Scientists have created computers that can copy human thought, understand speech,

beat the best human chess player, and countless other things which were never before

possible. These computers are based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Artificial

Intelligence makes computers behave like humans. Super Computer is an example of

the Fifth generation computers.

Do you know?

In May 1997, an IBM super computer

called Deep Blue defeated world

chess champion, Gary Kasparov in a

chess match.

Do you know?

Artificial Intelligence

is a branch of computer

science that shows

human intelligence and

behaviour. It includes

self-learning robots,

voice recognition and

art of making decisions. Violin-playing Robot

11

TYPES OF COMPUTERS

We already know that computers are used at different places for different applications.

Based on size, purpose and speed, the computers have been divided into four

categories. These are—

1. Micro Computers 2. Mini Computers

3. Mainframe Computers 4. Super Computers

Let us have a look at the features of these computers.

1. Micro Computers

Desktop Computers, Laptops, Palmtops, etc., are the examples of Micro Computers.A Micro Computer is a computer with a microprocessor as its Central Processing Unit.

These are also called Personal Computers, and are used at home, school, offices and

shops. They are physically small as compared to other types of computers. These

computers are designed to serve only one user at a time.

2. Mini Computers

IBM AS/400 is a Mini Computer. A Mini Computer is a multi-user computer that can

support from 4 to about 4000 users simultaneously. These are mainly used by business

organisations for the maintenance of accounts and finances. In size and speed, these

computers are placed between Micro Computers and Mainframe Computers.

Desktop Laptop Palmtop

IBM AS/400 Mini Computer

12

3. Mainframe Computers

IBM 4381, PDP-10 are some of the

examples of Mainframe Computers.

Mainframe Computers are the largest

multi-user computers. They are used in

large institutions, such as government

offices for census records, banks for ATM

cash withdrawal, credit purchase through

credit cards, etc. These computers are

very large and expensive. They are

capable of processing very large amounts

of data quickly.

4. Super Computers

Annapurna, Param, Anurag, Cray-1 are the examples of Super Computers. A

Super Computer usually has more than one CPU (Central Processing Unit). These

computers are used for weather forecasting, scientific calculations, space research,

etc. A Super Computer is the largest, fastest and the most expensive computer. A

Super Computer of today may be replaced by some faster and better technology

tomorrow.

IBM 4381

Super Computer

Something to KnowSomething to Know

13

A. Tick (ü) the correct option for the given statements.

1. ENIAC is an example of this generation of computer.

(a) Second (b) First

(c) Fifth (d) Third

2. Micro Computers are also called _________________________.

(a) Mini Computers (b) Personal Computers

(c) Super Computers (d) Mainframe Computers

3. It is the fastest computer.

(a) Mini Computer (b) Personal Computer

(c) Super Computer (d) Mainframe Computer

4. Microprocessors are used in this generation of computers.

(a) Fourth (b) First

(c) Fifth (d) Third

5. This generation of computers started using keyboard and monitor.

(a) Fourth (b) First

(c) Fifth (d) Third

B. Write True or False for the following statements.

1. Super Computers are commonly used at home. ___________

2. A Mainframe Computer is larger than a Mini Computer. ___________

3. The Second generation computers used Integrated Circuits. ___________

4. Param is a Personal Computer. ___________

5. Mouse was introduced in the Fourth generation of computers. ___________

C. Answer the following questions in brief.

1. Write two places where the Super Computers are used.

2. Give two examples of Micro Computers.

3. Which generation computers are called the Modern Computers?

4. In which generation was the Operating System developed?

5. How many vacuum tubes were replaced by one transistor?

14

Something to DoSomething to Do

1. In the maze, move horizontally, vertically and diagonally to search the names of different computers. Take the help from the given clues.

2. Your teacher asks you to make a report on 'Means of Communication'. On which type of computer will you make this report? Tick (ü) the correct option.

(a) Personal Computer (c) Super Computer

(b) Mainframe Computer (d) Mini Computer

MINI COMPUTER

PERSONAL COMPUTER

MAINFRAME

LAPTOP

MICRO COMPUTER

PALMTOP

SUPER COMPUTER

DESKTOP

D. Answer the following questions.

1. What are Super Computers?

2. Differentiate between the First Generation and the Fourth Generation computers.

3. Write any two features of the Fifth Generation computers.

4. Name the four types of computers.

5. Write any two areas where Mainframe Computers are used.

E A Z Q H T T F P Y T W U V PS B D P N P R A H U E R H F Y SM D X M O T E S J I R V X U H BB M C T L O Y D K O V E I H X LS K P F F G H F L P C F C M W RA A O C B A Y G Q Z X P L T S PL P A F E U V X Y C T R P G K ER A S U P E R C O M P U T E R T

P E R S O N A L C O M P U T E RM A E R T Y U I J G I D B S E TA Z L M Y P W Q N X N B G L R RI X A M D F S A Z D I N N M D DN Y L P T O P Z R W C M M O E PF T Q F J O M R F E O Q T A S MR U W Q A A P W G R M S H B K OA R F A P E A S H T P C Z I T AM M I C R O C O M P U T E R O D

X