The document summarizes the evolution of computers over five generations from 1940 to present. First generation computers from 1940-1956 were large, slow, and unreliable, relying on vacuum tubes. The transistor was introduced in the second generation from 1956-1963, making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable. The third generation from 1964-1971 saw the introduction of integrated circuits and silicon chips, further reducing size and cost. The fourth generation from 1971-present featured the invention of the microprocessor and microchips, leading to a wide variety of personal computer models. The fifth generation of computers to the present continues advancing technology with inventions like robotics and virtual reality. The document also defines different types of computers based on size, power, and

1. ICTL For Secondary School - Computer hardware Module
Evolution and Types of the Computers
Curriculum Development Centre
Ministry of Education Malaysia
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2. ICTL For Secondary School - Computer hardware Module
Evolution of the Computer
FIRST GENERATION (1940-1956)
The first generation of computers were huge, slow, expensive and often unreliable. In 1946, two
Americans, Prospers Eckert and Willian Mauchly build the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical
Integrator and Computer). It uses vacuum tube instead of mechanical switches of the MARK 1.
Vacuum tube
MARK 1
Presper Eckert Willian Mauchly
In 1951, Eckert and Mauchly build the UNIVAC,
that could calculate at the rate of 10,000 additions
per seconds.
UNIVAC – UNIVERSAL AUTOMATIC COMPUTER
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3. ICTL For Secondary School - Computer hardware Module
SECOND GENERATION (1956-1963)
The famous computer scientists during the second generation era were:
The creation of the transistor sparked the production of the second generation computer.
Transistors were small devices used to transfer electronic signals across a resister. Transistors
had many advantages compared to other hardware technology.
• transistors were smaller than vacuum tubes
• they needed no warm up time
• consumed less energy
• generated much less heat
• faster and more reliable
THIRD GENERATION (1964-1971)
In the third generation era, the IBM 370 series was introduced in
1964. It came in several models and sizes.It was used for business
and scientific programmes. Other computer models introduced
were the CDC 7600 and B2500.
The development of integrated circuit (IC), signal the beginning of the third
generation computers. Silicone chips were manufactured in 1961 at the
Silicone Valley. Then came the integrated circuit technology, which had
reduced the size and cost of computers.
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4. ICTL For Secondary School - Computer hardware Module
The microchip is a complete electronic circuit on small chip of silicon known as
a semi conductor.
FOURTH GENERATION (1971-PRESENT)
It took only 55 years for the 4 generations to evolve. The growth
of the computer industry developed technologies of computer
inventions. There are many types of computer models such as:
• Apple Macintosh
• IBM
• DELL
• ACER
In 1971 Intel created the first microprocessor. In 1976, Steve Jobs built the first Apple computer.
Then, in 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer.
Steve Jobs Bill Gates Micheal Dell
( Apple Macintosh) (IBM) (DELL)
During the fourth generation, hardware technology such as silicone chips, microprocessor and
storage devices were invented. A microprocessor is a specialized chip that is developed for
computer memory and logic.
Microprocessor
Silicone Chips
The microprocessor is a large-scale integrated circuit that contains thousands of transistors.
The transistors on this one chip are capable of performing all the functions of a computer's
central processing unit.
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FIFTH GENERATION (PRESENT & BEYOND)
The fifth generation computers are technologically advance and
are still being developed.
The inventions of new hardware technology in the fifth
generation have grown rapidly to include many other modern
computer devices such as :
• silicone chips
• processor
• robotics
• virtual reality
• intelligent systems
• programmes which translate languages
NEW ERA COMPUTER
After the fifth generation computer, the technology of computers has become more advanced,
modern and sophisticated. The latest invention in the era of computers are :
• Super Computers
• Mainframe Computers
• Mini Computers
• Personal Computers
• Mobile Computers
Mini Computers
Mobile Computer
In the new era of
computers, expert systems
such as teleconferencing
Mainframe Computers and speech-recognition
systems have been
Super Computers
invented as part of the
Personal Computers modern world communication
tool.
Types of Computers
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6. ICTL For Secondary School - Computer hardware Module
Supercomputer
Super Computers: specifies that these are the most powerful
computers compared to the mainframe.
Additional Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercomputer
The Cray-2 was the world's fastest
computer from 1985 to 1989.
Mainframe
Mainframe Computer: Is a very powerful and large computer. It
can process many users at a time. Its Terminals are used to
connect a user to the computer.The users submit the task
through mainframe.
Additional Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainframe_computer
Multi-user mini computer at RAL
Minicomputer
Minicomputers are smaller than
Mainframes (usually the size of a filing
cabinet). They have smaller memory and
are not as powerful as a mainframe.
Additional Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicomputer
Microcomputer
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The microcomputer is the smallest group of the computer system as (usually the size of a
typewriter) it can sit on a desktop. A microcomputer allows only a user at a time.
Microcomputers include: Home computers, Desktop computers, Portable computers, and
Laptop computers.
© From the Hutchinson Encyclopaedia.
Helicon Publishing LTD 2007.
All rights reserved.
Additional Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcomputer
: http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/dictionaries/computers/data/m0008890.html
Workstation
A type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software
development and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of computing
power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities.
Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics
screen, at least 64 MB (megabytes) of RAM, built-in network
support, and a graphical user interface.
Different Types of Computer
There are a lot of terms used to describe computers. Most of these words imply to the size,
expected use and capability of the computer. The term ‘computer’ can apply to virtually any
device that has a microprocessor in it .
• PC - The personal computer (PC) is designed for personal use
by a single person. PCs were first known as microcomputers
because they were a complete computer built on a smaller
scale.
• Desktop - A PC that is placed on a permanent location. Most of
them offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost.
• Laptop - Also called notebook, laptops are portable
computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing
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device or trackball, processor, memory and hard drive all in a battery-operated
package slightly larger than an average hardcover book.
• Palmtop - More commonly known as Personal Digital Assistant
(PDA), palmtops are tightly integrated computers that often use
flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage. These computers
rely on touchscreen technology for user input. Palmtops are typically
smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with a reasonable
battery life.
• Server - A computer that has been optimized to provide services
to other computers over a network. Servers usually have powerful
processors, a large memory and hard drives.
• Wearable - The latest trend in computing are
wearable computers integrated into watches,
cell phones, visors and even clothing.
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