History and Generations of Computer

1. History of Computer

The computer did not appear suddenly. It developed slowly over many years.

Early Calculating Devices

• Abacus (3000 BC): Oldest calculating tool used for basic calculations.
• Napier’s Bones (1617): Used for multiplication and division.
• Pascaline (1642): Invented by Blaise Pascal using gears.
• Analytical Engine (1837): Designed by Charles Babbage. He is known as the Father of Computer.
• Mark I (1944): First electromechanical computer.
• ENIAC (1946): First electronic general-purpose computer.

2. Generations of Computer

First Generation (1940 – 1956)

Technology Used: Vacuum Tubes

• Very large size
• High power consumption
• Produces much heat
• Very expensive
• Uses machine language

Examples: ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC

Second Generation (1956 – 1963)

Technology Used: Transistors

• Smaller than first generation
• Less heat
• More reliable
• Faster processing

Languages: Assembly, FORTRAN, COBOL

Examples: IBM 1401, IBM 7094

Third Generation (1964 – 1971)

Technology Used: Integrated Circuits (ICs)

• Smaller size
• Low power consumption
• High speed
• Operating system introduced

Languages: C, COBOL, FORTRAN

Examples: IBM 360, PDP-8

Fourth Generation (1971 – Present)

Technology Used: Microprocessors

• Very small size
• Very fast
• Low cost
• Personal computers developed

Languages: C, C++, Java, Python

Examples: Desktop, Laptop

Fifth Generation (Present – Future)

Technology Used: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Intelligent systems
• Voice recognition
• Natural language processing
• Very high speed

Examples: Robots, Smart Assistants

3. Summary Table

Generation	Technology Used
First	Vacuum Tubes
Second	Transistors
Third	Integrated Circuits
Fourth	Microprocessors
Fifth	Artificial Intelligence

4. Conclusion

Computers have evolved from simple machines to intelligent systems. Each generation improved speed, size, cost, and performance. This knowledge helps understand modern computers easily.