5 Generations of Computers
Generation of Computer First Generation (1946-1954): In 1946 the digital computer using electronic valves (Vacuum tubes) are known as first gene ration computers. The first 'computer' to use electro nic valves i.e. vacuum tubes. The high cost of vacuum tubes prevented their use for main memory. They stored information in the form of propagating sound waves. Limitations of First Generation Computer They used valves or vacuum tubes as their main electronic component. They consumed lots of electricity and produced lots of heat. Their computing capabilities were limited. They were not so accurate and reliable. They used machine level language for programming. First generation Second Generation (1955-1964): The second-generation computer used transistors for CPU components and ferrite cores for main memory&magnetic disks for secondary memory. They high-level languages such as FORTRAN (1956) & COBOL (1960-1961). Input Output (I/O) processor was included to control I/O operat...