Computer History (Annie)

Early History

Period: Oct 29, 1830 to Oct 29, 1900

They made machines for solving maths. So they made calculator (of course not as high technology as today).

Difference Engine

Oct 29, 1842

The difference engine was developted by Charles Babbage.

Start of First Generation

Oct 29, 1940

First Generation

Period: Oct 29, 1940 to Oct 29, 1956

Vacuum Tubes
Input: Punch Cards
Output: Printouts
Memory storage: Magnetic Drum
Examples: Univac and Eniac

Start of Second Generation

Oct 29, 1956

Second Generation

Period: Oct 29, 1956 to Oct 29, 1963

Transistors
Input: Punch Cards
Output: Printout
Storage Device: magnetic core
Examples: IBM 7094 series, IBM 1400 series etc

Start of Third Generation

Oct 29, 1964

Third Generation

Period: Oct 29, 1964 to Oct 29, 1971

Silicon Chips called Semiconductors
Input: Keyboard
Output: Monitor
Storage Device: magnetic core and solid states
Examples: IBM 370, UNIVAC 1108 etc

Start of Fourth Generation

Oct 29, 1971

Fourth Generation

Period: Oct 29, 1971 to Oct 29, 2020

microprocessors
Input: Mouse, and other handheld objects
Output: monitor- improved GUI (or Graphical user interface)
Examples: Apple Macintosh & IBM PC