1.1.1.2 : Describe the brief evolution of computers.

COMPUTER GENERATIONS
First Generation (1940-1956)
Computer were huge, slow, expensive and often unreliable. In 1946, Presper Eckert and Willian Mauchly build the ENIAC. It use vacuum tube.
In 1951, Eckert and Mauchly build the UNIVAC, which could calculate at the rate of 10,000 addition per seconds.
Among new invention of hardware in this era are vacuum tube, punched card and magnetic tape.
Problems:
· the vacuum tubes generated a great deal of heat causing many problems in temperature regulation and climate control
· the tubes burnt out frequently
· people operating the computer did not know that the problem was in the programming machine
SECOND GENERATION (1956-1963)
Transistor was created. Transistor is a small device use to transfer electronic signals across a resister. The advantages of transistors are
· smaller than vacuum tubes
· needed no warm up time
· consumed less energy
· generated much less heat
· faster and more reliable
THIRD GENERATION (1964-1971)
Silicone chips were manufactured in 1961. Then came the Integrated circuit (IC) technology which had reduced the size and cost of computers. It is a complete electronic circuit on a small chip of silicone which is also known as semi conductor. It replaced the Magnetic Core Memory. The first 256 bit RAM was introduced and it was the basis for development of 1K bit RAM.
The IBM 370 series were introduced in 1964 and it came in several models and sizes. It was used for business and scientific programs. Other computer models were CDC 7600 and B2500.
Advantages:
Computer can be upgraded and expanded
Silicone chips were reliable, compact and cheaper.
Hardware & software sold separately.
Customer service industry flourished
FOURTH GENERATION (1971- PRESENT)
The growth of the computer industry such as Apple Macintosh, IBM, DELL & ACER.
In 1971 Intel created the first microprocessor. In 1976, Steve Jobs built the first Apple computer. Then, in 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer.
Hardware technology such as silicone chips, microprocessor (developed for computer memory & logic) and storage devices were invented. The microprocessor is a large-scale integrated circuit which contained thousands of transistors which are capable of performing all of the functions of a computer's CPU.
Advantages:
Computers became 100 times smaller than ENIAC
Gain in speed, reliability and storage capacity
Personal & software industry boomed
FIFTH GENERATION (PRESENT & BEYOND)
The technologiy are advance and still being develop. The inventions have grown rapidly including many other computer devices such as silicone chips, processor, robotics, virtual realit,y intelligent systems & programs which translate languages
NEW ERA COMPUTER
The technology has become more advanced, modern & sophisticated. The latest invention in are Super Computers, Mainframe Computers, Mini Computers, Personal Computers & Mobile Computers.
In the new era, expert system such as teleconferencing & speech-recognition system have been invented.