Question

What are the difference between computer operator in first generation and in fifth generation

Answer 1

Explanation:

First Generation

First generation computers used vacuum tubes as switching device and magnetic drum for memory. These computers were often huge, occupying an entire hall.

Because first generation computers used vacuum tubes, they consumed a lot of electricity and produced excessive heat. You require cooling facilities to operate computers. This was the major problem of this generation of computers. Moreover, these tubes burned out because of too much heating and need to be replaced more frequently.

The operation cost of these computers was too expensive.

Vacuum Tubes

Magnetic DrumMagnetic Drum

In first generation computers, the operating instructions or programs were specifically built for the task for which computer was manufactured. The Machine language was the only way to tell these machines to perform the operations. There was great difficulty to program these computers and more when there were some malfunctions.

Since when the first generation computers started?

There are two different views regarding from when the first generation began. Some believe that it started from 1946 when the first computer using valve – ENIAC – was developed. Do you remember how many vacuum tubes ENIAC used?

Some others argue that we should consider EDSAC as the first computer of first generation because it is the first computer to use stored procedure – a true computer in modern sense. ENIAC was just a calculator! If you consider EDSAC is the first computer of first generation, then 1949 should be the starting of first generation.