1st Generation Computers PDF

GALE LABOC RAYPAN VILLANUEVA INTRODUCTION TO Computers 1ST GENERATION COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS AND PROGRAMMING Engr. Mirabueno, Maria Concepcion What is a 1st Gen Computer? First-generation computers, born in the 1940s and...

GALE LABOC RAYPAN VILLANUEVA INTRODUCTION TO Computers 1ST GENERATION COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS AND PROGRAMMING Engr. Mirabueno, Maria Concepcion What is a 1st Gen Computer? First-generation computers, born in the 1940s and 50s, were groundbreaking but primitive by today's standards. Their defining characteristic was the use of vacuum tubes for circuitry, making them bulky, unreliable, and power-hungry. These behemoths, occupying entire rooms, were primarily used for complex scientific and military calculations, such as ballistics trajectories and nuclear research. Their processing power was limited, and programming required intricate machine code, making them difficult and time-consuming to operate. Despite their limitations, these pioneering machines, like the ENIAC and UNIVAC, laid the crucial groundwork for the astonishing advancements in computing technology that we witness today. History of 1st Generation Computer THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE The world's first computer was built under classified conditions, welded together to support United States military ambitions in the war-torn years of World War II. An aspiring meteorologist and a recent college graduate teamed up to design and build the ENIAC—the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer—in the secure environment of the University of Pennsylvania Moore School of Engineering. The story of Dr. John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert shows how the convergence of mathematical minds, research universities, and laboratories in the U.S. led the country into the Information Age. A visionary pioneer in the field of computing, DR. JOHN WILLIAM MAUCHLY John Mauchly was the driving force behind the revolutionary concept of building an electronic computer. He recognized the immense potential of harnessing electronics to perform complex calculations with unprecedented speed, a significant leap forward from the cumbersome electromechanical machines of the time. Leading the prestigious ENIAC project, Mauchly masterfully oversaw its design and development, a monumental undertaking that would forever alter the course of human history. But his vision extended far beyond the realm of scientific and military applications. Mauchly foresaw the transformative power of electronic computers across diverse sectors, including business and industry, recognizing their potential to revolutionize countless aspects of human life. J. Presper Eckert Jr. was a pioneering JOHN ADAM PRESPER electrical engineer who played a "PRES" ECKERT JR. crucial role in the development of early computers. He was instrumental in the design and construction of the ENIAC, one of the first electronic computers. He also invented mercury delay line memory for the EDVAC, a significant advancement in computer memory technology. Furthermore, he co-founded the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation, which produced the UNIVAC, the first commercially available computer. Eckert's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the modern computer age. WHY STUDYING FIRST-GENERATION COMPUTERS IS IMPORTANT?  MAIN PARTS OF FIRST GENERATION COMPUTER VACUUM TUBES MACHINE an electronic device that LANGUAGE contols the flow of programming language electrons in a vacuum. that computers use to Used as on/off perform operations. switches, vacuum tubes allowed the first computers to perform digital computations. MAGNETIC DRUM an used as data storage and main memory device  KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRST GENERATION COMPUTER Size Power Consumption Applications Expensive Lots of Energy Sources Required Notable First- Generation Computers ENIAC The ENIAC was the first electronic computer used for general purposes, such as solving numerical problems. It was designed and invented by John Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the University of Pennsylvania to calculate artillery firing tables for the US Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory. Notable First- Generation Computers ENIAC Its construction began in 1943 and was not completed until 1946. Although it was not completed until the end of World War II, the ENIAC was created to help with the war effort against German forces. During the war, there was a shortage of male engineers, so the programming was handled by a team of six women. Notable First- Generation Computers ENIAC Betty Jean Jennings (Bartik), Marilyn Wescoff, Ruth Lichterman, Elizabeth Snyder, Frances Bilas, and Kathleen McNulty In 1953, the Burroughs Corporation built a 100-word magnetic-core memory, which added to the ENIAC's memory capabilities, which at the time only held a 20-word internal memory. By 1956, the end of its operation, the ENIAC occupied about 1,800 square feet with almost 20,000 vacuum tubes, 1,500 relays, 10,000 capacitors, and 70,000 resistors. It also used 200 kilowatts of electricity, weighed over 30 tons, and cost about $487,000. Notable First- Generation Computers UNIVAC I The year 1951 marked a significant milestone in the history of computing with the introduction of the UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer I), the first commercially produced computer. Developed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, the UNIVAC I revolutionized data processing and set the stage for the modern computing era. This groundbreaking machine was initially commissioned by the United States Census Bureau, underscoring its anticipated importance in handling large- scale data analysis tasks that were previously unimaginable. Notable First- Generation Computers UNIVAC I The UNIVAC I was a marvel of engineering and innovation for its time. It utilized thousands of vacuum tubes to perform calculations at unprecedented speeds, capable of executing about 1,000 calculations per second. This was an astronomical leap from the electromechanical machines of the previous era. The computer’s memory system used mercury delay lines, a form of storage that allowed it to store and retrieve data much more efficiently than previous methods. Furthermore, the UNIVAC I featured magnetic tape for data input and output, significantly improving its ability to handle vast information. Notable First- Generation Computers UNIVAC I One of the most notable achievements of the UNIVAC I was its role in predicting the outcome of the 1952 US presidential election. The computer correctly forecasted Dwight D. Eisenhower’s victory over Adlai Stevenson with remarkable accuracy, even when preliminary results suggested otherwise. This event captured the public imagination and demonstrated the practical applications of computing technology beyond government and military uses, paving the way for broader acceptance and future commercial ventures in various industries. Advantages and Limitations The development of early computers marked a pivotal moment in technological history, bringing both remarkable advantages and significant challenges. These groundbreaking machines laid the foundation for automated computing, offering unprecedented speed and accuracy compared to manual calculations. However, their immense size, inefficiency, and frequent need for maintenance highlighted the limitations of early technology. This duality of innovation and constraint not only shaped the trajectory of computing advancements but also underscored the need for continued evolution in design and functionality. Advantages 1. FIRST STEPS TOWARD AUTOMATED COMPUTING Early computers marked the transition from manual labor- intensive calculations to automated processes, paving the way for technological advancements across industries. They introduced programmable systems, which revolutionized data processing and problem-solving techniques. 1. SIGNIFICANTLY FASTER THAN MANUAL CALCULATIONS Machines like the ENIAC could perform thousands of calculations per second, drastically reducing the time required for complex tasks such as scientific simulations and military computations. This speed and accuracy exceeded the capabilities of even the most skilled human calculators. limitations SIZE: OCCUPIED ENTIRE ROOMS Early computers, such as the ENIAC and UNIVAC, were massive, often requiring specially designed buildings to accommodate their components. Their size and bulk made them impractical for widespread adoption or personal use. HEAT PRODUCTION AND INEFFICIENCY Vacuum tubes, a primary component of early computers, consumed enormous amounts of electricity and produced excessive heat. This heat often led to overheating and frequent operational disruptions, limiting reliability. LIMITED RELIABILITY AND FREQUENT MAINTENANCE The mechanical nature and early-stage technology meant that breakdowns were common, necessitating constant repairs and monitoring. High maintenance costs and technical expertise requirements further restricted their accessibility and practicality. Impact and Legacy The advent of early computers marked a revolutionary milestone in human history, introducing groundbreaking concepts and transforming society. These pioneering machines not only laid the foundation for modern computing principles but also found practical applications in fields such as military operations, scientific research, and business processes. Their legacy continues to shape the technological landscape, serving as a catalyst for the computer revolution and the digital age we live in today. Pioneering Concepts Influence on Subsequent Generations: Early computers like the Analytical Engine, conceptualized by Charles Babbage in the 1830s, laid the groundwork for modern computing. Although never completed, the Analytical Engine introduced ideas such as a programmable machine using punched cards, an arithmetic logic unit, and integrated memory. These concepts have been integral to the design of subsequent generations of computers. Introduction of Core Computing Principles: The development of early computers established fundamental principles in computing. For instance, the use of punched cards for programming in Babbage's designs was adapted from the Jacquard loom and became foundational in later computing systems. Additionally, Ada Lovelace's work on the Analytical Engine in the 1840s is now recognized as the earliest example of computer programming, highlighting the early introduction of algorithms and programming concepts. Impact on Society Early Applications in Military, Science, and Business: During World War II, machines like the British Bombe, conceived by Alan Turing and Harold Keen, were developed to decrypt Nazi communications, showcasing the military applications of early computers. In science, early computers facilitated complex calculations and data analysis, accelerating research and discoveries. In business, the advent of punched-card systems and early computing machines revolutionized data processing tasks such as payroll and inventory management, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Catalyst for the Computer Revolution: The innovations and applications of early computers set the stage for the computer revolution. The transition from mechanical to electronic computing devices, exemplified by machines like the ENIAC introduced in 1946, demonstrated the potential of computers to perform a wide range of tasks more efficiently than ever before. This progression led to the development of integrated circuits, microprocessors, and eventually personal computers, fundamentally transforming various aspects of society, including communication, education, and commerce.  COnclusion First-generation computers, developed from the 1940s to the 1950s, were groundbreaking machines that utilized vacuum tubes as their primary technology. These early computers were large, power-hungry, and prone to breakdowns. They relied on punch cards for input and produced output on paper tape or printouts. Programming these machines involved using machine language (binary code), and they relied on magnetic drums for limited memory storage. Notable examples include the ENIAC and the UNIVAC I, the first commercially available computer. While these early computers had limitations such as size, heat generation, and unreliability, they marked a significant step forward in computing. They introduced fundamental concepts that are still relevant today and paved the way for the powerful computers we use now.  GALE LABOC RAYPAN VILLANUEVA Thank you! COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS AND PROGRAMMING Engr. Mirabueno, Maria Concepcion