Classification of Computers ITE102 – Computer Programming (C++)

By Size Three Classification of Computers According to size: 1.Mainframe 2.Mini Computers 3.Micro Computers 2

Mainframe very large computers that require extensive space very expensive to buy and maintain general purpose in nature and have very large computing power used in banks, insurance companies, manufacturing firms, universities

Mini Computer smaller in size than the mainframes but bigger than the micro computers less expensive to mainframes computers some are still been used for special or dedicated purposes have the ability to handle complex calculations

Micro Computers the smallest and the cheapest when compared with mainframes and mini computers otherwise known as personal computers (PC)

By Year Generations of Computers First Generation Second Generation Third Generation Fourth Generation Fifth Generation

First Generation of Computers from the year 1946 – 1960 Used vacuum tubes as storage unit EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer), UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer), and ENIAC (Electronic Integrator and Computer)

First Generation of Computers FEATURES OF FIRST GENERATION COMPUTER a. They are very large computers b. They generate a lot of heat c. They consume a lot of power d. They are very expensive

Second Generation of Computers from the year 1960 – 1964 used transistors as means of storage –MERITS OF TRANSISTORS OVER VACUUM a. Transistor is a fraction of vacuum tube b. It is faster than the vacuum tube c. It is accurate d. It occupies less space e. It is more powerful and can perform the work of 1000 vacuum tubes.

Third Generation of Computers from the year 1965 – 1970 known as the age of IC’s (integrated circuits –can carryout the job of 40 transistors

Third Generation of Computers FEATURES OF THIRD GENERATION COMPUTERS a. It is smaller in size than the former generations computers b. It provides less heat c. It is very powerful in productivity d. It cost lesser compare to the former generations of computer

Fourth Generation of Computers from the year 1970 – 1980 Improvements on the integrated circuit to the large scale integrated circuit or VASIC chips operates a million times faster than old vacuum tube

Fifth Generation of Computers referred to as future computers proposed to be as intelligent and capable as a human being self-sufficient to a very large storage capacity from the previous computers