Computer Evolution
A brief overview on the history and evolution of computers, from vacuum tube computers to modern technologies.
Overview
The evolution of computer technology is often divided into 5 generations.
Generation | Timeline | Hardware |
---|---|---|
First | 1940s-1950s | Vacuum tube based |
Second | 1950s-1960s | Transistor based |
Third | 1960s-1970s | Integrated circuit based |
Fourth | 1970s-present | Microprocessor based |
Fifth | present and future | Artificial intelligence based |
Glossary
- Vacuum tube - An electronic device that controls the flow of electrons in a vacuum. It used as a switch, amplifier, or display screen in many older model devices.
- Transistor - An electronic component that can be used as an amplifier or as a switch. It is used to control the flow of electricity.
- Integrated circuit - A small electronic circuit printed on a chip (usually made of silicon) that contains many its own circuit elements such as transistors, diodes and resistors.
- Microprocessor - An electronic component held on an integrated circuit that contains a computer’s CPU and other circuits.
- Magnetic drum - A cylinder coated with magnetic material, on which data and programs can be stored.
- Magnetic core - Uses small magnetised rings called cores to store information.
- Machine language - A low level language comprised of binary digits that make up instructions understood by a computer.
- Assembly language - A low level language comprised of abbreviated words such as ADD, SUB, DIV that is recognised by a computer.
- High level language - A language that enables a programmer to write programs independent of the type of computer.
- RAM(random-access memory) - A type of data storage used in computers that temporary stores of programs and data. Its contents are lost when the computer is turned off.
- ROM(read-only memory) - A type of data storage used in computers that permanently stores data and programs. its contents are kept when the computer is turned off.
Generations of computers
1 First Generation of Computers
- Main electronic component: vacuum tube
- Main memory - magnetic drums and magnetic tapes
- Programming language - machine language
- Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC1, IBM 650, IBM 701
2 Second Generation of Computers
- Main electronic component: transistor
- Main memory - magnetic core and magnetic tape
- Programming language - assembly language
- Example: IBM 1401, IBM 7090 and 7094, UNIVAC 1107
3 Third Generation of Computers
- Main electronic component: integrated circuits
- Main memory - large magnetic core and magnetic tape
- Programming language - high level language
- Example: IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, UNIVAC 1108
4 Fourth Generation of Computers
- Main electronic component: Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits and microprocessor
- Main memory - semiconductor memory(RAM, ROM,etc.)
- Programming language - high level language
- Examples: IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple Macintosh
5 Fifth Generation of Computers
- Main electronic component: Ultra Large-Scale Integration (ULSI) and parallel processing(two or more microprocessors)
- Main memory - semiconductor memory(RAM, ROM,etc.)
- Programming language - high level language
- Examples: desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones
6 Moore’s Law
Moore’s Law refers to Gordon Moore’s perception that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles every two years. It is mainly used to highlight the rapid change in information processing technologies.
7 Embedded Systems
Embedded systems are a combination of computer hardware and software as well as additional mechanical or other parts, designed to perform a dedicated function.
- Some examples are printers, microwaves and coffee machines.
- IoT(Internet of Things) devices are embedded within other devices in order to provide enhanced functionalities.
8 Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand computing services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence over the Internet (“the cloud”).
It allows users to manage resources without owning their a computing infrastructure or data centres and it typically uses a “pay-as-you-go” model.
9 Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a type of computation that harnesses the principles of quantum physics.
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Instead of bits, quantum computers use something called quantum bits, ‘qubits’ for short. While a traditional bit can only be a one or a zero, a qubit can be a one, a zero or it can be both at the same time. This means that a quantum computer does not have to wait for one process to end before it can begin another, it can do them at the same time.
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When two quantum particles are entangled, they form a connection to each other no matter how far apart they are. This means that you can move information around, even if it contains uncertainty.
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