Generation of computers

Early Technology:

1. Which was the first Counting Device?

Probably the Tally Stick

1. What did John Napier discovered and invented?

He discovered that multiplication and division of numbers could be performed by the addition and subtraction, respectively of the logarithms of those numbers. And he needed to perform more difficult operation and there he developed the Napiers Bone.

1. Who design the first mechanical adding machine?

A German Polymath, Whilhem Schickard.

1. What did Joseph Marie develop?

He developed a loom in which the patterns being woven were controlled by a punch Card.

1. What did punch Card inspire?

They inspire the ounch bands which serve for recording of automatic pianos and more recently numerical control machine tools.

1. In what years do electromechanical tabulating machines could add, subtract and print accumulated totals?

In 1920.

First generation of Computers:

1. What did the first generation used for cooling system?

Vacuum Tubes.

1. What are some Characteristics of the second generation of computers?

They were enormous (they occupy an entire room), they were very expensive to operate and they generated a lot of heat.

1. What were the four competing technology for providing computer memory?

Electrostatics storage tubes, acoustic delay lines, magnetic drums, and magnetic core storage.

Second Generation of Computers:

1. During which period was the second generation developed?

From 1956 to 1963.

1. With what did the second generation emerged?

With the development of transistors in 1947.

1. What are some characteristics of the second generation of computers?

They were more reliable, generated less heat, used transistors, were cheaper compare to the first generation , consumed less electricity and were smaller in size.

1. What were some disadvantages of the second generation?

Constant maintenance was required, punch cards were used for input, costly and not versatile, and commercial purpose was difficult.

Third Generation of Computers:

1. What did third generation used in place o transistors? And what were some benefits?

They used integrated circuits and this makes them more reliable, smaller and more efficient.

1. What are some of the characteristics of this generation?

Keyboards and monitors were integrated and for the first time they became accessible for the audience, they were smaller and generated less heat than the previous generations and they developed an interface with an operating system which allow running different applications

1. What is the disadvantage of this generation?

That air conditioning was required.

Fourth and fifth generation of computers:

1. With what did the fourth generation emerged?

With the development of the VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) and with these the development of the microprocessor.

1. What are some characteristics of the Fourth Generation?

They became more reliable, affordable, powerful and compact.

1. What happened in 1984?

Apple introduced the Macintosh Microprocessor.

1. What is the period of the fifth generation?

From 1980- till present date.

1. What technology is used by the fifth generation?

ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) that is the result from the microprocessor chips having ten billion electronic components.

...