KOSHI ST.
JAMES RESIDENTAL SECONDARY SCHOOL
ITAHARI, SUNSARI
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER AND ITS EVOLUTION
AANAND PANDIT
ROLL NO.: 28
CLASS: ELEVEN ‘C’
MARCH 4, 2020
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my Computer teacher “Nawaraj
Karki” for their able guidance and support in completing my Project. I would also like to
extend my gratitude to the Principal Sir “Ananta Subadi” and CEO Sir “Sashi Shrestha” for
providing me with all the facility that was required.
Also, I would like to mention the support system and consideration of my parents who have
always been there in my life.
DATE: March 4, 2020
Name: Aanand Pandit Submitted to: Nawaraj Karki
Roll no.: 28 Computer teacher
Class: Eleven ‘C’ (Science) ........................
Signature
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CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...................................................................................................................... 2
CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction:............................................................................................................................................ 4
Importance of computer: ..................................................................................................................... 5
Characteristics of computer: ............................................................................................................... 6
Advantages and disadvantages of computer: ...................................................................................... 9
History of computer: ............................................................................................................................. 10
Mechanical era: ................................................................................................................................. 10
The electro-mechanical era: .............................................................................................................. 16
Generation of computer: ....................................................................................................................... 20
Frist Generation Computer (1945-1955): ......................................................................................... 21
Second Generation Computer (1957-1963): ..................................................................................... 22
Third Generation Computer (1964-1971): ........................................................................................ 23
Fourth Generation Computer (1972 onward): .................................................................................. 24
Fifth Generation Computer (Present and future): ............................................................................. 26
CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................................................... 28
REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 29
APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................................... 30
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Introduction:
The full form of COMPUTER is
Commonly Operated Machine Particularly
Used for Trade, Education and Research.
Technically speaking, the term does not have
any full form. The term computer is essentially
derived from the word ‘compute’, which means
calculate.
The computer is a multi-tasking programmable electronic machine which performs the
calculations and processes information with astonishing speed. It can calculate thousands of
information with flash of speed and almost unfailing accuracy. The computer can perform both
computation and logical action at enormous speed.
In other words, a computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data. It has
the ability to store, retrieve and process data. All the generation of computer have common
things i.e. software and hardware.
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Importance of computer:
The computer is importance in a variety of
ways. For example, a difficult and time-
consuming task can be done in no time and in an
easy way. The computer provides better and
effective way to manage a large amount of information to every individual, organization,
business, government and institution. The value of computer lies in the ability to perform
quickly and accurately. The computer can help in producing better quality products, help in
teaching and assist in elimination human error.
Some of the importance are enlisted below:
i. Solving numerical problems:
One of the most difficult and most importance is the solution of complicated
problems involving numbers. Computer can solve those problems amazingly and
quickly. The computer can perform a simple and numerical problem to complicated
numerical problem.
ii. Storing and retrieving information:
People use computers to store large quantities of information. information stored on
a computer is sometimes called a database. The database can be enormous. For
example, a country's entire census might be contained in a single database. A
computer can search a huge database to find a specific piece of information. In
addition, the information can be changed easily and quickly. The efficiency with
which computers store and retrieve information makes them valuable in a wide
range of professions.
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iii. Creating and displaying document and pictures:
Computers can store a huge number of words in a way that make it easy to
manipulate them. For this reason, word processing is one of the most important and
widespread uses of a computer. Computers are also important in the publishing
industries. For example, most books and magazine are typed on a computer.
Graphics is the use of a computer to make pictures.
Characteristics of computer:
Every computer has certain common characteristics irrespective of their type and size. The
computer is not just adding machines; they are capable of doing complex activities and
operations. They can be programmed to do complex, tedious and monotonous tasks.
Some of the characteristics of computer are described below:
i. Word length:
A digital computer operates on binary digits i.e. 0 and 1. It can understand
information only in terms of 0s and 1s. A binary digit is called a bit. a group of 8
bits is called a byte. The number of bits that a computer can process at a time in
parallel is called its word length. Commonly used word length is 8,16,32 or 64 bits.
Word length is the major of the computing power of a computer. When we talk of
a 32-bit computer, it means that its word length is 32 bits.
ii. Speed:
The calculation in the computer is at very high speeds. For example, a micro-
computer can perform millions of instructions per second as many times without
any mistake. The speed increases, as the power of computer increase. For example,
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a super computer can operate at speed measures on nanoseconds and even
picosecond.
iii. Storage:
The computer has main memory and auxiliary memory. The computer can store a
large amount of data. With more and more auxiliary storage devices, which are
capable of storing huge amounts of the data, the storage capacity of a computer is
virtually unlimited. The reason that makes computer storage unique is not that it
can store huge amount of data, but the fact that it can retrieve the information that
the user wants in a few seconds. For example, computer dictionaries are available
and the contents of this software version are the same as that of the printed
dictionary.
iv. Accuracy:
The accuracy of a computer is very high unless the input is given correctly. In most
cases, the error is because of human factor rather that technology mistake. For
example, if the person input wrong code or the data is corrupted, the processing
result is also wrong or corrupted. So, if wrong input is given, the output also will be
wrong- GIGO (Garbage in Garbage Out)
v. Versatility:
Computers can perform activities ranging from simple calculation like arithmetic
calculation, to a complex calculation like launching a missile, which it makes a
computer a versatile machine. some application area of computers like a business,
bank medical diagnosis, science and technology, communication and astronomy, so
it is a versatile machine.
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vi. Diligence:
Diligence means being constant and determined in effort and application. The
computer can perform the repetitive task without being a bore and it never gets tired.
It can work continuously for several hour or day without getting bored and tired.
Unlike human beings, a computer is free from tiredness, weakness, lack of
concentration and monotony. Computers can perform activities ranging from
simple calculation like arithmetic calculation, to a complex calculation like
launching a missile, which it makes a computer a versatile machine.
vii. Automation:
A computer is an automatic machine, capable of functioning automatically once
they are an appropriate set of instruction and data provided to the computer. Once
the task is initiated on a computer it can proceed continuously. The computer can
be programmed to perform a series of a task involving multiple programs.
Computers are capable of these levels of automation if the instruction is provided
correctly.
viii. Reliability:
Computers are used widely as they are reliable. The computer never gives the wrong
result as long as the input is given correctly. The probability of error in the computer
is negligible. A Huge amount of verities of data like monetary transaction, banking
account, personal information is stored in a computer with the strong reliability to
the computer.
The computer has become an integral part of our lives and is helping us in
improving the standard living, enhancing the quality products, providing better
healthcare, assisting in teaching and learning and other however computer have
many limitations like lack of intelligence, lack of reasoning capabilities and other.
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Advantages and disadvantages of computer:
ADVANTAGES:
i. The computer can perform a complex operation in short time.
ii. The computer can process a large volume of data.
iii. Computer can work continuously for a long time.
iv. A single computer can perform multiple tasks such as watching a movie, playing
games, listening songs and other.
v. The computer does not make a mistake.
vi. Computer increases the curricular performance of student.
DISADVANTAGES
i. The computer does not have brain and cannot decide itself.
ii. It does not have its own intelligence.
iii. The computer does not have emotion and feelings.
iv. It needs electricity to operate.
v. It cannot operate itself, unless a human command is given.
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History of computer:
Evolution of computer is a study of past development of computer i.e. it is meant by the
gradual improvements of accuracy, speed and efficiency of computers through generations,
whereas generations of computers may be defined as the development of computer in an
average period of time in which old computer technology may be replaced by newer
technology.
Ancient people lived on the earth for centuries without counting. Then, they started to count
their ten figures. It became so difficult to live and to remember anything. These phenomena
were gradually replaced by the use of stones, counting notches on sticks or marks on walls.
The different generations are described below which has helped the humans for keeping
records with the passing of time.
Mechanical era:
The calculator of this age was developed by using mechanical components like wood,
metal, stone, bone, etc. It was used for simple mathematical calculations. Some of the
popular calculations used in this age are:
a. Abacus:
In ancient period, it was used to calculate mathematical calculation. It was used for
performing simple calculation like counting, addition, subtraction and
multiplication of number. An abacus consists of a rectangular frame carrying a
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number of wooden rods. Mid-bar
divides each of these rods in top
unequal -upper and lower parts.
The upper part is called heaven,
whereas lower part is called earth.
The heaven consists of two beads,
whereas the earth part consists of five beads to each rod. The value of bead on
heaven part is five and earth is one. Each abacus consists of nine or eleven or
thirteen rods.
b. John Napier (1550-1617 AD):
The SCOTTISH mathematician John Napier
first published the table of logarithms in 1614
AD. It was very used and consists of a large
number of calculations.
He invented bone rods and used bones to
demonstrate by subtracting and multiplication
by addition according to his principle. These are
made of strips of bones on which numbers were carved and painted that`s why it is
also called Napier's bone.
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c. William Oughtred (1575-1660 AD):
It is a rectangular device-slide-rule. It was a calculating device based on the
principle of a log. A rule consists of two graduated scales, one of which slips upon
other. It is devised in such a way that suitable alignment of one scale against the
other makes it possible to find products and quotient of any numbers.
d. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662 AD):
The man name Blaise Pascal, was a brilliant mathematician and religious thinker.
Pascal made a mercury barometer and measured atmospheric pressure to assist his
father in his work accounting. Pascal invented the first mechanical calculation
machine in Paris.
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e. Baron Gottfried Wilhelm Von Leibniz (1646-1716 AD):
He develops a new method of
calculation called 'Calculus'. He
modified the masculine machine
and invented a first calculator,
Stepped Reckoner, which was
able to perform automatic addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, but could
find out square root. Each with nine teeth of varying lengths instead of wheels it
was called 'Leibniz Calculator' or 'Stepped Reckoner'.
f. Joshep Marie Jacquard (1752-1834 AD):
The French man, Joseph Marie Jacquard, was a textile
manufacturer who invented a mechanism for automated
weaving clothes for the textile industry at Lyon, in 1802
AD. This machine was used to automatically control
weaving looms to facilitate the production of weaving
cloth with complex patterns.
g. Charles Babbage (1791-1871 AD):
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The English Professor and Mathematician, Charles Babbage, invented the Different
Engine at Cambridge University, in 1822 AD. This machine can solve differential
equations and calculate various mathematical functions. It is also called " Analytical
Engine ".
h. Lady Augusta Ada Byron Lovelace (1515-1852 AD):
The English intelligent and independent-minded woman, Lady Augusta, was a
daughter of English poet Lord Byron and a very Great follower, assistant of Charles
Babbage. Lady documents Babbage`s work and writes programs for Babbage.
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This plan is now regarded as the first computer program. That`s why, she was
considered the first computer programmer and a software language developed by
the US Defense Department, was named Ada in her honor.
i. Herman Hollerith (1860-1929 AD):
An American Inventor, Herman Hollerith,
also applied the Jacquard loom concept in
computing and applies for patents for an
automatic punch-card tabulating machine.
He invented a machine knows as "
Tabulating Machine ". This device could
process on the punch cards and perform census calculating faster than ever before.
j. John Von Neumann (1903-1975):
The Hungarian Mathematician, John gave an
idea of stored program computer in the sense
that program is stored internally in the main
memory of the computer along with its
associated data, in 1945. So, he is called the
"Father of Stored Program". Before that,
program required for the computer were integrated and written permanently in
chips. So, modification of program was not possible. But, after Neumann, such
programs were stored on a computer in some storage media, so modification was
easy and flexible.
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The electro-mechanical era:
The calculator of this age was developed by using mechanical and electronic
component vacuum tube.
Successful general purpose mechanical computers were built, in the 1930s. Konrad
Zuse developed mechanical computer, the Z1, in 1983 in Germany.
a. The Mark I Computer (1937-1944):
A Professor of Physics, Howard H.
Aiken designed a general-purpose
mechanical computer at Harvard
University and IBM Automatic
Sequence Controlled Calculator
(IBM ASCC). It was the first fully
automatic calculating machine and later as Harvard Mark I.
It used binary numbers for its operation. Later, Mark II was invented by Aiken and
his colleagues that were working electromechanical relays for its operation. Mark
II used 19000 valves.
b. The Mark II Computer:
It used about 18 thousand
vacuum tubes as the main
memory device with 7 lakes
50 thousand parts. It is 51 feet
long, 8 feet height and 3 feet
wide as bulky in size. It was
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capable of performing five basic arithmetic operations; additions, subtraction,
multiplication, division and table reference. The result was printed at the rate of one
result per five seconds.
c. The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1939-1942):
In 1939, John Vincent Atanasoff and
Clifford Berry designed Atanasoff-
Berry computer or ABC solving
systems of mathematical
simultaneous equation. It used
18000 valves and other 45 valves for
internal logic and capacitors for
storage.
It used punch cards as input and output operation i.e. secondary. It is considered as
the first computing machine which introduced the idea of binary arithmetic,
regenerative memory and logic circuits.
d. The Colossus (1941-1944):
In 1944, Colossus computer is designed by Alan M. Turing and build by British
mathematician Alan Mathison Neuman, Alan with some colleagues, creates a
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computer named colossus at
the University of
Manchester, England, which
comprised 1800 vacuum
tubes.
It was one of the world's
earliest working programmable electronic digital computers. Colossus was a special
purpose machine that suited a narrow range of tax (for example, it was capable of
performing decimal multiplication).
e. The Electronic Computer Era:
The computers of this age are developed by using electronic components like a
vacuum tube, transistors IC, VLSI, etc. These computers are smaller, faster and
more reliable.
f. The ENIAC (1943-1956):
In 1946, John W. Mauchly and
Presper Eckert constructed
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical
Integrated and Calculator), at the
Moore School of Engineering of
the University of Pennsylvania.
USA ENIAC was the first
popular general purpose all
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electronic digital computers. John Von Neumann was the consultant of the ENIAC
project.
It was a very large machine weighing about 30 tons and containing about 17,468
vacuum tubes, 70,000 resistors, 5 million soldered joints and it consumed 160
kilowatts.
g. The EDVAC (1946-1952):
EDVAC (Electronic Discrete
Variable Automatic Computer) was
developed by Dr. John Von Neumann,
and a member of the Moore School of
Engineering of the University of
Pennsylvania Eckert, and J.W
Mauchly. The EDVAC is used for more school personnel and the Ballistics
Research Laboratory of the US Army, which was based on Jhon Von Neumann`s
ideas of Stored Program".
h. The UNIVAC (1951):
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UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) was developed by J.P.Eckert and J.
Mauchly in 1951. It was the first computer manufactured for commercial use and
general-purpose digital computer. It was designed to handle both numeric and
textual information. Before this, all the computers were either used for defense or
census was by General Electrical Corporation in 1954.
Generation of computer:
Computer generations classification is mainly based on the basic devices used. Also, the
considerations are the architecture, languages, modes of operation, etc. The function performed
by the computer and the speed of their operations have been changing since the old days to the
most modern computer. Based on the period of development and the features incorporated, the
computers are classified into different generations- First generation to Fifth generation. This is
called the computer generation.
The classification and time periods are given below:
1. First Generation Computer (1945-1955)
2. Second Generation Computer (1957-1963)
3. Third Generation Computer (1964-1971)
4. Fourth Generation Computer (1972 onward)
5. Fifth Generation Computer (Present and future)
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Frist Generation Computer (1945-1955):
First generation computers were characterized by the fact that operating instructions
were made to order for the specific task for which the computer was to be used. It was
operated on the ' Principle of Thermionic Emission".
In the first-generation computer, vacuum tubes as CPU, magnetic drum for data storage,
and machines languages were used for giving instruction. The computer of this
generation was very large in size called room-sized computers.
The programming of first-generation computers was done in machine languages (0s
and 1s). Afterward, assembly languages were developed and used in first generation
computer.
Features of first generation of computer:
Technology used: vacuum tube
Machines languages were used to instruct the computer.
Magnetic core memory was used as primary memory.
Punched card, printing devices were used for input/output operations and store
the result.
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It occupies very large space, slow processing, inefficient and unreliable due to
low accuracy.
Power consumption was very high and it generated much heat.
It could only perform straight forward simple numerical calculation.
Computer used to be much expensive.
The example of first generation of computer are ENIAC, UNIVAC, EDVAC and EDSAC.
Second Generation Computer (1957-1963):
Second generation computer replaced machine
language with assembly language, allowing
abbreviated programming codes to replace long,
difficult binary codes.
The transistor was developed in this generation. A transistor transfers electric signals
across a resistor. A transistor was highly reliable compared to tubes.
The transistor was far more superior in performance on account of their miniature size,
smaller power consumption, and heat production rate. The second-generation computer
used these semiconductor devices.
Features of second generation of computer:
Technology used: Transistor
Operating speed was in terms of a microsecond.
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Assembly language machines independent language such as COBAL (Common
Business Oriented Language) and FORTRAN (Formula Translation) were
introduced the size of computer.
Magnetic drum and magnetic tape were used as secondary memory.
Power required to operate them was low compared to first generation of
computer.
It could perform scientific calculation such as solving differential equations.
Storage capacity and use of computer are increased.
Third Generation Computer (1964-1971):
Transistors were an improvement over the vacuum tube, but
they still generated a great heat, which damaged the computer's
sensitive parts. The quartz eliminated this problem.
Transistors were replaced with an integrated circuit known
popularly as chips. Scientist managed to fit many components
on a single chip. As a result, the computer became ever smaller as more components
were squeezed on the chip.
IC was first designed and fabricated by Jack S Kilby at Texas Instrument and by Robert
S Noyce at Fairchild independently. IC is a circuit consisting of a large number of
electronic components placed on a single silicon chip by a photo-lithographic process.
Magnetic disks began to replace magnetic tape for auxiliary and video display terminals
were introduced for the output of data. Keyboards were used for the input of data. A
new operating system was introduced for automatic processing and multi-
programming.
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These computers were highly reliable, relatively expensive and faster. High-level
programming languages continued to be a developer. The example of third generation
computers is IBM-360 series, ICL-900 series, and Honeywell 200 series.
Features of third generation of computer:
The technology used: IC (Integrated Circuit).
Transistors were replaced by IC in their electronic circuitry.
High-level languages like FORTAN, BASIC and other are used to develop
programs.
Semiconductor memory like RAM and ROM were used as primary memory.
Monitor and keyboard were introduced for data input and output respectively,
Multiprogramming facility was developed.
The computer was used in census calculation, military, banks and industries.
Size, cost, power requirement and heat generation decreased as compared to
first and second generation of computer.
Fourth Generation Computer (1972 onward):
The invention of microprocessor chip
marked the beginning of the fourth-
generation computers. Semiconductor
memories replaced magnetic core
memories. The invention of
microprocessors led to the development
of microcomputer or the personal
computer.
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The first microprocessor called Intel 4004 was developed by American Intel
Corporation 1971.
This computer has faster generation language and application software for
microcomputers became popular and allowed home and business users to adapt their
computers for word processing, spreadsheet manipulating, file handing and graphics.
In this generation, the concept of computer networks and CD-ROMs came into
existence.
Features of fourth generation of computer:
Technology in use: VLSI is introduced and used Microprocessor-based
technology.
Semiconductor like RAM, ROM and cache memory is disks like, optical disk
(CD, DVD), Blue-ray disk, flashes memory (memory chip, pen drive) is used
as secondary memory.
E-mail, Internet and mobile communication are developed.
Advanced, user-friendly, web page software is developed.
Size, cost, power requirement, heat generation decreased compared to the
previous generation.
Operating speed, storage capacity, use of computer increased compared to the
previous generation.
The examples of fourth generation of computer is IBM-PC, HP laptops, Mac
notebook etc.
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Fifth Generation Computer (Present and future):
The aim is to bring machines with genuine IQ, the ability to reason logically and with
real knowledge of the word. Thus, this computer will be totally different, totally novel
and totally new than last four generations of computer.
Fifth generation computer was based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and that is still
developing process, but not yet a reality i.e., this computer is incomplete. The scientists
are working on it still.
These computers will be able to converse with people and will be able to mimic human
sense, manual skills, and intelligence.
Features of fifth generation of computer:
Technology to be used: These machines will incorporate Bio-chip and VVLSI
(Very Very Large-Scale Integration) or Ultra Large-Scale Integration (ULSI).
The computer will have Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Natural language will be used to develop programs.
The computer will have parallel processing in full fledge.
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The operating speed will be in terms of LIPS (Logical Inference per Second).
This aim is to solve highly complex problems, which require great intelligence
and expertise which solved by people.
Quantum computation, molecular and nanotechnology will be used completely.
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CONCLUSION
Introduction to computer tell us much more about technology that we used today. The struggle
of many great scientists and experts’ team has brought drastic change in our daily life due to
computer. It also tells that how the mechanical computer turns into modern computer which
AI that helps us to do all things. According to the given data, we can find what features,
advantages and disadvantages, we are getting in this era. Finally, I would like to conclude that,
it gives all information about history of computer.
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REFERENCES
Computer Science (class 11 book)
Image: https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=EN
Website: https://kullabs.com/class-11/computer-science-1/introduction-to-computer-
1/Concept-importance-and-characteristics-of-Computer
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APPENDICES
This table shows the information of development of computer generation in the history.
First Second Third Fourth Fifth
Generation Generation Generation Generation Generation
Electronic Vacuum Transistors IC Microprocessor Bio-Chips
device: tube
Speed: Mill Micro Second nano Second Pico Second LIPS and
Second More than
femto
second
Primary Magnetic Magnetic core Semi- Semi- Unknown
Memory: core Memory Conductor Conductor
Memory Memory Memory
Secondary Punched Magnetic Magnetic Magnetic and New
Memory: Cards, tapes, Disk (Floppy optical disks technology
Paper tapes, Magnetic disk hard (hard disk, CD, for storage
Magnetic disk) and DVD, Pen
tapes magnetic Drive)
Computer Fully Assembly Fully High High Level and Natural
Language: Machine language and Level 4GL language
Level little bit of
High Level
and
Cost (Avg.): Very high High ($ High ($ Low ($ Unknown
($ 2.5 250Thousand) 25Thousand) 2.5Thousand)
Million)
Size, Very high High Low Very low Unknown
Electrical
consumption,
Heat
generation:
Speed, Very less Less Moderate High Much
Capability: higher
Example: UNIAC, IMB 1401, IMB 360 IMB PC Apple Unknown
ENIAC, CDC 1604, series, IMB Macintosh
EDSAC IMB- 370 SERIES
7094/7030
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