First Generation Computers

 1.First Generation Computers

Ans.3

The period of first generation was from 1946-1959. The computers of first generation used 

vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central Processing 

Unit). These tubes, like electric bulbs, produced a lot of heat and the installations used to fuse 

frequently. Therefore, they were very expensive and only large organizations were able to 

afford it

In this generation, mainly batch processing operating system was used. Punch cards, paper 

tape, and magnetic tape was used as input and output devices. The computers in this 

generation used machine code as the programming languacge.

The main features of the first generation are

1.Vacuum tube technology

2.Unreliable

3.Supported machine language only

4.Very costly

5.Generated a lot of heat

6.Slow input and output devices

7.Huge size

8.Need of AC

9.Non-portable

10.Consumed a lot of electricity

Some computers of this generation were:

1.ENIAC

2.EDVAC

3.UNIVAC

4.IBM-701

5.IBM-650