First-Generation Computers (1945-1956)
21 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was the primary electronic component used in first-generation computers?

Vacuum tubes were the primary electronic components used in first-generation computers.

How did the size and reliability of first-generation computers compare to later generations?

First-generation computers were extremely large and less reliable compared to later generations.

Identify two examples of first-generation computers.

ENIAC and UNIVAC are two examples of first-generation computers.

What was the major technological innovation introduced with second-generation computers?

<p>Transistors were the major technological innovation introduced with second-generation computers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one advantage and one disadvantage of first-generation computers.

<p>An advantage is their ability to execute complex mathematical problems quickly; a disadvantage is their large size and unreliability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What methods did first-generation computers use for data storage?

<p>First-generation computers used magnetic tapes and magnetic drums for data storage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the power consumption of ENIAC.

<p>ENIAC consumed about 180,000 watts, which led to significant heat generation requiring a proper cooling system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are transistors considered superior to vacuum tubes in second-generation computers?

<p>Transistors are considered superior because they are more compact, reliable, and consume less power than vacuum tubes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement characterized second-generation computers?

<p>Transistors replaced vacuum tubes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two examples of second-generation computers.

<p>IBM 7094 series and IBM 1400 series.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary advantages of third-generation computers?

<p>They are smaller, more reliable, and have higher processing speeds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major innovation was introduced in third-generation computers?

<p>Integrated Circuits (ICs).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify a disadvantage of second-generation computers.

<p>They required air conditioning and frequent maintenance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why were third-generation computers considered more cost-effective?

<p>They had lower maintenance costs and less heat generation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did data storage technology evolve in relation to second-generation computers?

<p>They utilized magnetic core technology for data storage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main challenges in manufacturing integrated circuits?

<p>It required a high level of technology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a first-generation computer language, and can you provide an example?

<p>A first-generation computer language is machine code, which consists of binary instructions that a computer's CPU can directly execute. An example is the raw binary code used in early computers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify a key characteristic of second-generation computers and name their programming language.

<p>Second-generation computers are characterized by the use of assembly language, which provides symbolic representations of binary instructions. Assembly language simplifies coding compared to machine code.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss a technological innovation attributed to special purpose computers.

<p>Special purpose computers are designed for specific tasks, such as the ATM machine, which facilitates banking transactions efficiently. This innovation improved the speed and convenience of banking services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are one advantage and one disadvantage of general purpose computers?

<p>An advantage of general purpose computers is their versatility, as they can be programmed for various tasks. A disadvantage is that their broad capability can lead to inefficiencies in performing specialized tasks when compared to special purpose computers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do modern data storage methods differ from those used in earlier generations of computers?

<p>Modern data storage methods, such as SSDs and cloud storage, offer faster access speeds and greater capacity compared to earlier methods like magnetic tapes and floppy disks, which were more limited in both speed and storage size.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

First-Generation Computers (1945-1956)

  • Major Innovation: Vacuum Tubes
    • Used for developing circuits
    • Size of a 100W light bulb
    • Thousands of tubes were used
  • Memory: Magnetic tapes
  • Data Storage: Magnetic drums
  • Example: ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC
  • Issues:
    • Computers were extremely large and unreliable.
    • Generated a large amount of heat
    • Required extensive temperature regulation and climate control.
    • Expensive to operate due to electricity consumption.

ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator)

  • Built in 1946
  • Used during World War II for military purposes
  • Consumed about 180,000 watts of electrical power
  • Required a proper cooling system due to the heat generated.

UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer)

  • First general-purpose electronic digital computer designed for commercial use
  • Produced by Universal Accounting Company in 1951

Second-Generation Computers (1956-1963)

  • Major Innovation: Transistors
    • Smaller than vacuum tubes
    • Made of semiconductors
  • Data Storage: Magnetic core technology
  • Examples: IBM 7094 series, IBM1400 series and CDC 164, IBM 1620, IBM 1401
  • Advantages:
    • Smaller and more portable than first-generation computers
    • More reliable and efficient.
    • Generate less heat
    • Wider commercial usage
  • Disadvantages:
    • Required air conditioning
    • Frequent maintenance was required
    • Expensive

Third-Generation Computers (1964 – 1971)

  • Major Innovation: Integrated Circuits (ICs)
    • Called "chips"
    • More compact than transistors
    • Single IC contains millions of transistors, registers, and capacitors.
  • Advantages:
    • Smaller and more portable than second-generation computers.
    • More reliable
    • Lower power consumption
    • Less heat generation
    • Faster processing speed
    • More affordable
  • Disadvantages:
    • Required high-level technology to manufacture IC chips
    • Air conditioning sometimes required.

Fourth-Generation Computers (1971-1981)

  • Major Innovation: Microprocessors
    • One chip containing the entire CPU.

Classification of Computers by Purpose

  • General-Purpose Computers:
    • Can be programmed to perform many different tasks
    • Examples: Desktop computers, Laptop computers
  • Special-Purpose Computers:
    • Designed to perform specific tasks
    • Examples: ATM machines, Washing machines, Cash registers

Programming Languages

  • First Generation: Machine code
  • Second Generation: Assembly language
  • Third Generation: COBOL, C, Basic
  • Fourth Generation: ColdFusion, Progress 4GL, Oracle Reports

Usage of Supercomputers

  • Weather forecasting
  • Scientific simulations
  • Animated graphics
  • Fluid dynamic calculations
  • Nuclear energy research
  • Electronic design
  • Analysis of geological data (e.g., petrochemical prospecting)

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

CS Week 1 PDF

Description

Explore the evolution of first-generation computers from 1945 to 1956, focusing on major innovations like vacuum tubes, magnetic tapes, and the iconic machines such as ENIAC and UNIVAC. This quiz covers key characteristics, operational challenges, and historical significance of these early computers.

More Like This

First Generation Computers Quiz
5 questions

First Generation Computers Quiz

UncomplicatedDevotion4672 avatar
UncomplicatedDevotion4672
First Generation Computers Quiz
5 questions

First Generation Computers Quiz

UncomplicatedDevotion4672 avatar
UncomplicatedDevotion4672
First Generation of Computers
22 questions
History of Computers: First Generation
40 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser