1 The first generation of computer s; 1940-1956: Electronic pipes First compute rs were u sing electronic pipes (also called vacuum p ipes, or electro nic circuit). They were very big, used a lot of electricity and they often used to break down. They were programmed with mechanical language (binary code ) so that they could execute operations. The most famous in the first generation of computers were ENIAC and EDVAC. -ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer). The ENIAC was the first successful electronic computer of general purpose. Computer was programmed to execute operations by sw itching on and off cables a nd switchers. For inputting and rea ding data they used drilled cards. ENIAC was that big, that it took 200 square meters and it weighted about 30 tones. -EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) was the first computer which used to storage programs and data in memory. EDVAC was finished in 1949 th year and he was the first computer which had magnetic discs. The second generation; 1956-1963: Transistors Transistors subst ituted electronic pipes. They were su perior then vacuum pipes and they enabled computers to be smaller, quicker, cheaper, more reliable and to spend less electricity then the first generation. The second generation still used drilled cards for inputting and outputting data. For programming those computers, except mechanical language, you could also use assembly language, which allowed programmers to write down instructions with words. The third generation of computers; 1964-1971: Integrated circuits Transistors were minimised and put in silicon chips, which improved speed and efficient of comp uters. Instead of drilled cards , in this period computers have got keyboards and monitors as input and output devices. Also, then were developed first operating systems. The fourth generation of computers; 1971- today: Microprocessors The first real one microprocessor was the Intel chip 4004 ( four zero - zero four) which was developed 1971 st . in one chip were located CPU, memory and I/O controllers. American company IBM in 1981 st developed computer for personal using, which was called IBM PC. American company Apple in 1984 th developed computer named Macintosh, as reply to IBM PC, which leaded forward to even quicker computers development. Using microprocessor became more widespread and from the middle of 1980s they were used in every area of technique ( monitors, TVs, microwave, ovens, washing machines, cars, etc).
