Chapter - 1 Introduction to Computers | EduNotes

Generation of Computers

Computers ka history mainly do main eras me divide kiya jaata hai. Shuruat me computers mechanical devices par based the, aur baad me electronic technology ka use hone laga.

Main Eras of Computer History

Mechanical Era (Before 1945) → Electronic Era (After 1945)

Mechanical Era (Before 1945)

Mechanical era me computers completely mechanical devices the. Inme gears, wheels aur levers ka use hota tha aur ye electricity par depend nahi karte the.

Examples: Abacus, Pascaline, Analytical Engine

Electronic Era (After 1945)

Electronic era me computers ne electronic components ka use shuru kiya, jaise vacuum tubes, transistors, ICs aur microprocessors.

Isi era ko five generations of computers me divide kiya gaya hai.

Five Generations of Computers

1st Generation → 2nd Generation → 3rd Generation → 4th Generation → 5th Generation

1st Generation (1945 – 1955)

Is generation me vacuum tubes ka use processing ke liye hota tha aur memory ke liye magnetic drums use hote the.

Ye computers bahut bade, mehange aur slow the.
Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC

2nd Generation (1955 – 1964)

Vacuum tubes ko transistors se replace kar diya gaya. Isse computers fast, reliable aur affordable ban gaye.

Example: IBM 1401

3rd Generation (1964 – 1974)

Is generation me Integrated Circuits (ICs) ka use hua, jisse computers aur chhote aur powerful ho gaye.

Example: IBM System/360

4th Generation (1974 – 1989)

Is generation ka sabse bada feature microprocessor tha, jisme poora CPU ek single chip me aa gaya.

Examples: Intel 4004, Altair 8800

5th Generation (1989 – Present)

Fifth generation ka focus Artificial Intelligence (AI) aur Machine Learning par hai.

Examples: Smart devices, robots, AI assistants