differentiate between first and third generation of computer?
Answers
The first generation computers were developed during 1943-1958. It used vacuum tubes as the active electronic components and was therefore very large. However some of the features are as follows-
a) They were extremely large and occupied a very large space.
b) They used vacuum tubes as memory device.
c) They were very expensive and consumed a lot of electrical power.
d) The operating speed was measured in milliseconds.
e) These computers had low level of accuracy and reliability.
f) Storage capacity was too small only 1 to 4Kb.
g) They used machine level programming language.
The examples are- UNIVAC, ENIAC, EDSAC, EDVAC, and UNIVAC.
The third generation computers were developed during 1966-1973. The development of Integrated Circuit (IC) signaled the beginning of the third generation computers. However some of the features are as follows-
a) These computers used integrated circuits.
b) They were small, efficient and reliable.
c) Operating systems were developed.
d) Monitors and keyboards were introduced for input and output of data.
e) Magnetic disks were used for secondary storage.
f) The operating speed was measured in nano seconds.
g) They could understand large number of high level languages.
The examples are – IBM 360, ICL -1900, and IBM 370 etc.