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Ics Assignment 1

The document discusses the evolution of computers through five generations from 1937 to present. Each generation saw improvements in size, capabilities, and processing power. Early computers were room-sized and used vacuum tubes, while modern computers are personal-sized and use integrated circuits and microprocessors. The document also outlines emerging trends in computing like artificial intelligence, computer vision, edge computing, quantum computing, and 5G networks that are poised to further transform businesses and technology.

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meshack michael
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58 views

Ics Assignment 1

The document discusses the evolution of computers through five generations from 1937 to present. Each generation saw improvements in size, capabilities, and processing power. Early computers were room-sized and used vacuum tubes, while modern computers are personal-sized and use integrated circuits and microprocessors. The document also outlines emerging trends in computing like artificial intelligence, computer vision, edge computing, quantum computing, and 5G networks that are poised to further transform businesses and technology.

Uploaded by

meshack michael
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A.

EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS
The history of computers dated back to the period of scientific revolution (1543-
1678) where various machines were invented .The calculating machine invented
by Blaise Pascal in 1642 and that of Goffried Liebnits marked the genesis of the
application of machines in the industry.

In the 19th century English Mathematics professor named Charles Babbage


refered to as the “Father of Computer” designed the Analytical Engine. This was
the design that became the basic framework on which the computers of today are
based on. Computers evolved through different generations which lasted for a
certain period of time and each gave us either a new and improved computer or
an improvement to the existing computers. The generations are as follows;

First Generation of Computers

 Lasted between 1937 to 1946.


 In 1937 the first electronic computer was built by Dr.John V. Atanasoff and
Clifford Berry. It was called the Atanasoff-Berry computer (ABC).
 In 1943 an electronic computer named the Colossus was built for the
military.
 In 1946 the first general-purpose digital computer, the Electronic Numerical
Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) was built. It weighed 30 tons and had
18,000 vacuum tubes which was used for processing.
 Computers of this generation could only perform single task and they
lacked an operating system.
Characteristics
1. They were as large as the size of a room
2. They possessed vacuum tubes
3. They used an internally stored instruction called program
4. They used capacitors to store binary data and information
5. They used punched cards for communication of input and output
data and information.
6. They generated a lot of heat

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7. They have about 1000 circuits per cubic foot
Examples
 Mark I developed by Aiken in 1944
 Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator
 Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer developed in
1947 by Eiket and Mauchley

Second Generation of Computers

 Lasted between 1947-1962


 In 1951, the Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC I) was introduced to
the public.
 In 1953, the International Business Machine (IBM) 650 and 700 series made
their mark in the computer world.
 Over 1000 computer programming languages were developed. They had
memory and operating systems.
 Storage media such as tape and disk were in use also were printers

Characteristics

1. They were large but smaller than first generation computers.


2. They used transistors instead of vacuum tubes to perform calculations.
3. They possessed magnetic tapes for data storage
4. They were produced at a reduced cost compared to the first generation of
computers.
5. They used punch cards as input and output of data and information. Also
used keyboard as an input device.
6. They generated a lot heat in which an air conditioner is needed to maintain
a cold temperature.
7. They have about 1000 circuits per cubic foot.

Examples

 Leprechaun ,IBM built by Bell laboratory in 1947

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 UNIVAC 1107,UNIVAC III
 RCA 501 IBM 7030 stretch
Third Generation of Computers
 Lasted between 1963-1975
 Was brought by the invention of Integrated Circuit
Characteristics
1. They used large-scale integrated circuits, which were used
for both data processing and storage.
2. Computers were miniaturized, that is they were reduced in
size compared to previous generation.
3. Keyboard and mouse were used for input while the monitor
as the output
4. Programming language like COBOL and FORTRAN were
developed.
5. They have hundred thousand circuits per cubic foot.
Examples
 Burroughs 6700,Mini computer
 Honeywell 200
 IBM system 360
 UNIVAC 9000 series

Fourth Generation of Computers


 The size of computers was re-divided to a Personal Computer, PC.
 First Microprocessor was created by Intel. It was a very Large – scale i.e.
VLS integrated circuit which contained thousands of transistors.
 Transistors on one chip were capable of performing all the functions of a
computer CPU.
Characteristics
1. The size and cost were reduced

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2. Increased in speed of computers
3. Possession of microprocessors which performs all the task of a
computer system used today.
4. Very Large Scale (VLS) integrated circuits were used.
5. They have millions of circuits per cubic foot.

Examples

 IBM system 3090, IBM RISC6000, IBM RT


 ILLIAC IV
 Cray 2XMP
 HP 9000
 Apple Computers

Fifth Generation of Computers


 Based on artificial intelligence (AI) are still in
development, although there are some applications such
as voice recognition, facial face detector and thumb print
used today.
Characteristics
1.Consist of extremely large scale information
2.Parallel processing
3.Possession of high speed logic and memory chip
4.High performance, micro miniaturization.
5.Ability to mimic human intelligence e.g. voice
recognition, facial face detector, thumb print.
6.Satellite links, virtual reality
7.They have billions of circuits per cubic
Examples
 Super Computers
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 Facial face detector
 Robots
 Thumb print

B.EMERGING TRENDS IN COMPUTER

1. Artificial Intelligence.
This is poised as a tool of choice for businesses and solution
providers. It can be used by business to achieve cost-saving
benefits, streamline workflows and to improve customer
experience.
2. Computer Vision
Is a field that allows computers to derive meaning from visual
input and then take decision based on that data. Business
applications include using Google Translate to translate signage to
a native language and making sense of traffic signs in self-driven
cars.
3. Edge Computing
This is a decentralized model which places computing nodes
closer to the source of interaction. This model optimizes
technological interactions and reduces latency at the point of
origin to enable more effective and a real-time consumption.
4. Internet of Behaviors
It provides greater clarity into consumer behavior. The IoB offers
opportunities in the form of data collection and analysis regarding
consumer interaction, preferences and purchasing behavior.
5. Quantum Computing.
Quantum Computing offers unique opportunities for predictive
analysis that extend beyond the capacity of conventional
computing. The quantum computers leverage the principles of
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superstition and entanglement to process information on an
exponential scale.
6. Robotic Process Automation
This involves automating tasks such as teaching, machine
operations using robots that have high efficiency.
7. 5G Network
5G network offers the supporting foundation with increased
speed compared to the networks that businesses can leverage to
embrace many upcoming disruptive technologies.
8. Spatial Computing
This is often what we see when we look at futuristic movies. It
involves virtual reality and argumented reality. Spatial computing
involves interacting with digital computers in an intertwined
fashion with the real world.

Reference : ResearchGate

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