Computer - First Generation

 The period of first generation was from 1946-1959. The computers of 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. Therefore, they were very expensive and only large organizations were able to afford it.

In this generation, mainly batch processing operating system was used. Punch cards, paper tape, and magnetic tape was used as input and output devices. The computers in this generation used machine code as the programming language.

The main features of the first generation are −

Vacuum tube technology

Unreliable

Supported machine language only

Very costly

Generated a lot of heat

Slow input and output devices

Huge size

Need of AC

Non-portable

Consumed a lot of electricity

Some computers of this generation were −

ENIAC

Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology a computer is/was being used. Initially, the generation term was used to distinguish between varying hardware technologies. Nowadays, generation includes both hardware and software, which together make up an entire computer system.

There are five computer generations known till date. Each generation has been discussed in detail along with their time period and characteristics. In the following table, approximate dates against each generation has been mentioned, which are normally accepted.

Following are the main five generations of computers.

Generation & Description

1 First Generation

The period of first generation: 1946-1959. Vacuum tube based.

2 Second Generation

The period of second generation: 1959-1965. Transistor based.

3 Third Generation

The period of third generation: 1965-1971. Integrated Circuit based.

4 Fourth Generation

The period of fourth generation: 1971-1980. VLSI microprocessor based.

5 Fifth Generation

The period of fifth generation: 1980-onwards. ULSI microprocessor based.