Evolution of Computers
College of Engineering and Architecture
Ateneo de Davao University
E. Jacinto St., Davao City
CPE 420:
Computer Systems Architecture
[Evolution of Computers – From 1st Generation to Present]
November 13, 2012
Prepared for:
Engr. Eleonor Palconit
Prepared by: Jhunorjim C. Zandueta
The evolution of computers is considered one of the most rapid technological development in the history of human innovation. Within just 50 years, computers had evolved from bulky military hardware that computed ballistic trajectory to compact personal devices that aids in our day-to-day routine. This development stretched within five generations. Each generation follows a common thread in computer design and functionality – decreased size and increased speed. The evolution of computers is greatly influenced by the innovations and development in field of electronics. New technology in the field of electronics are assimilated and adopted in the design and development of computers. Each generation of computer is characterized by a major technological development that fundamentally changed the way computers operate, resulting in increasingly smaller, cheaper, more powerful and more efficient and reliable devices.
1st Generation
General Characteristics The first generation of computers dated from the late 1940’s until 1958. The main component used in these computers are vacuum tubes which contributed to these computers big and bulky size. Vacuum tubes produced excessive heat and frequently burnout with use. They are programmed directly with machine language (binary) and used magnetic core memory. Data input and storage in these computers are done with the use of punch cards and tapes. Other characteristic of 1st Generation Computers are as follows:
Big, bulky and clumsy design
Consumed excessive space; usually consumes an entire room
High energy consumption
Electric failure occurred regularly which made computers not very
Ateneo de Davao University
E. Jacinto St., Davao City
CPE 420:
Computer Systems Architecture
[Evolution of Computers – From 1st Generation to Present]
November 13, 2012
Prepared for:
Engr. Eleonor Palconit
Prepared by: Jhunorjim C. Zandueta
The evolution of computers is considered one of the most rapid technological development in the history of human innovation. Within just 50 years, computers had evolved from bulky military hardware that computed ballistic trajectory to compact personal devices that aids in our day-to-day routine. This development stretched within five generations. Each generation follows a common thread in computer design and functionality – decreased size and increased speed. The evolution of computers is greatly influenced by the innovations and development in field of electronics. New technology in the field of electronics are assimilated and adopted in the design and development of computers. Each generation of computer is characterized by a major technological development that fundamentally changed the way computers operate, resulting in increasingly smaller, cheaper, more powerful and more efficient and reliable devices.
1st Generation
General Characteristics The first generation of computers dated from the late 1940’s until 1958. The main component used in these computers are vacuum tubes which contributed to these computers big and bulky size. Vacuum tubes produced excessive heat and frequently burnout with use. They are programmed directly with machine language (binary) and used magnetic core memory. Data input and storage in these computers are done with the use of punch cards and tapes. Other characteristic of 1st Generation Computers are as follows:
Big, bulky and clumsy design
Consumed excessive space; usually consumes an entire room
High energy consumption
Electric failure occurred regularly which made computers not very