Development of Computers/ Five generations of Computers: First Generation of Computers (1942-1955)

The beginning of commercial computer age is fromUNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer). It was developed by two scientists Mauchly and Echert at the Census Department of United States in 1947. The first generation computers were used during 1942-1955. They were based on vacuum tubes. Examples of first generation computers are ENIVACand UNIVAC-1.

Advantages

·         Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available during those days.

·         Vacuum tube technology made possible to make electronic digital computers.

·         These computers could calculate data in millisecond.

Disadvantages

·         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 was required.

·         Constant maintenance was required.

·         Non-portable.

·         Costly commercial production.

·         Limited commercial use.

·         Very slow speed.

·         Limited programming capabilities.

·         Used machine language only.

·         Used magnetic drums which provide very less data storage.

·         Used punch cards for input.

·         Not versatile and very faulty.

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(Useful for UPSC General Studies, APPSC Group 1 Group 2

, Mains Material, Paper 1, Paper 4 Section 1 Section 2

Section 3, ROLE AND IMPACT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN

THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDIA, GENERAL AWARENESS WITH THE

MODERN TRENDS IN LIFE SCIENCES, DEVELOPMENT &

ENVIRONMENT PROBLEMS)