Computers - Generations

The development of computer technology is generally divided into the following phases :

First Generation (1942 - 1956) - Vacuum Tubes

Vacuum tubes is the only electronic components available during those days.

These computers were the fastest calculating devices of that time. They could perform calculations in Milli-Seconds but there were many disadvantages in them. They were too big in size, Not portable, Air-Conditioning was required for their commercial use and production was also difficult. The UNIVAC (UNIVersal Automic Computer) and ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) are the examples of First Generation Computers. 

• UNIVAC was the first Commercial Computer to a business client the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951 (till then, all computers were for research purpose).
• ENIAC was the world's first Operational Electornic Digital COmputer.  

Second Generation (1956-1963) - Transistors

The Transistor, a smaller and more r

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