Differences Between First and Second Generation of Computers

The first computer was named ENIAC [Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer].

Five generations of computers have been developed periodically according to hardware and software requirements.

The older computers were not versatile machines designed and developed for numerical calculations.

They were huge in shape and size and generated a lot of heat and energy.

Let us discuss the Differences Between First and Second generation of Computers with examples, features, characteristics, and diagrams in easy-to-understand language.

Five Generations of Computer Systems
Five Generations of Computer Systems

What are the First Generation of Computers

The First Generation of computers used vacuum tubes in their hardware circuit and magnetic drum for memory.

They were huge and were installed in huge rooms.

They generated a massive amount of heat and energy, therefore malfunctioning or breaking down on some occasions, and their consumption and utilization of electricity and power were very high.

A vacuum tube was a substantial delicate glass device that utilized fibers as a source of electrons and could control intensified electronic signals. 

 They were able to understand low-level programming languages quickly.

Therefore, they relied on “Machine Language” they could take care of or solve one operation or problem and issues at a single time.

Examples of First Generation of Computers

  • ENIAC:: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer.
  • EDVAC:: Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
  • UNIVAC 1:: Universal Automatic Computer 1
  • IBM- 701
  • IBM- 650
Differences Between First and Second Generation of Computers
Differences Between First and Second Generation of Computers

Features and Characteristics of First Generations of Computer Systems

  • They used vacuum tubes in the circuit.
  • They used magnetic drums for storage.
  • They used machine languages.
  • Used punched cards for input and outputs.
  • They consumed a lot of electricity.
  • They generated a massive amount of heat and energy.
  • They are huge.

The first (1st) Generation of Computers are Based on Which Technology?

Vacuum tubes are used in the first generation of computers. 

What is the Second Generation of Computers

The second generation of computers used Transistors instead of enormous vacuum tubes. 

The transistor was designed and invented in 1947 by three physicians Bardeen, Brattain, and Shockley.

The transistor was better than vacuum tubes.

They allowed PC to become smaller and, faster, and Cheaper produced less energy,

so the energy consumption was far lower than the first generation of computers. They were dependable.

They were damaged often as the transistor generated heat and were very warm in nature, but it was considerably less than vacuum tubes.

Still, it was a step ahead of development compared to vacuum tubes.

The second generation of computers used high-level programming and binary and assembly languages.

They used languages like FORTRAN (Formula Translator) and COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language). 

They used punched cards and paper tapes for input and Printouts for Outputs.

They were also the first computer that stored instruction and information in their memory using magnetic core technology.

Computer Generations were utilized as a part of the industry of nuclear energy, and their examples are

  • IBM 7030/7094
  • Honeywell 400 Philco

Examples of Second Generations of Computer 

Some of the examples of second generations of computers are mentioned below.
  • IBM 1620
  • IBM 7094
  • UNIVAC 1108
  • UNIVAC 1108
  • Honeywell 400
  • CDC 1604
  • CDC 3600
  • PDP1
  • PDP3
  • PDP5
  • PDP8
  • ALTAS
  • LEO
  • PDP (Programmed Data Processor).
Examples of Second Generation Computer
Examples of Second Generation Computer

Characteristics and Features of Second Generations of Computer

  • Second-generation computers used transistors as their main component.
  • They utilized high-level programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN.
  • They are more reliable machines compared to the first generation of computers
  • They emitted fewer amounts of heat and energy compared to first-generation computers.
  • They use assembly language.
  • They use the printer and operating system for better functionality.
  • They are faster and smarter computers than 1st generation computers.
  • They are pretty inexpensive compared to first-generation computers.
  • They are very compact in shape and size.
  • Magnetic tape and disks are used as secondary storage. They Use punch cards for inputs and printouts for outputs.
  • They have faster processing and execution time and can simultaneously handle multiple operations and tasks.
  • They can connect with other computers and devices.
  • The magnetic core technology is used for data and information storage.
  • They are highly portable and can be transferred from one location to another.
  • Assembly language was used for programming.
  • Magnetic disks and magnetic tape were used as storage devices.
  • Punch cards were used as input devices.
  • They consume less electricity.
Characteristics and Features of Second Generations of Computer System
Characteristics and Features of Second Generations of Computer System

Second (2nd) Generations of Computers are Based on Which Technology?

The second generation of computers is based on transistors.

Differences Between First and Second Generation of Computers With Info-graphic

11 Differences Between First and Second Generation of Computers

Differences Between First and Second Generation of Computers in Tabular Form

#First GenerationSecond Generation
1The first-generation computer used vacuum tubes.The second-generation computer used transistors in their circuitry.
21940-19561956-1963
3First Generation computers used magnetic drums for storageSecond Generation computers used magnetic core technology for storage.
4They used machine language.They used high-level languages, binary language, and assembly language.
5Gigantic in shape and size.Smaller in size compared to first-generation computer
6Consumed more power and electricity.Power and electric consumption were incredibly low.
7They were not portable.They were portable and could be shifted from one place to another.
8They were slow in operation.They were considerably faster machines.
9Magnetic drums were used for storageRAM and ROM were used for storage.
10They were not commercial products.They were designed and developed for commercial use.
11Low-level languages were used.High-Level Languages were used.
12J.P. Eckert and J.W. Mauchly invented the first successful electronic computer called ENIAC.The transistor was designed and invented in 1947 by three physicians Bardeen, Brattain, and Shockley.
13They are expensive.They are cheaper compared to first-generation computers.

Generations of Computer 1st to 5th

#Computer GenerationsTimelineHardware
1First Generation of Computer1940-1956Vacuum Tubes
2Second Generation of Computer1956-1963Transistor
3Third Generation of Computer1964-1971Integrated Circuit (I.C.)
4Fourth Generation of Computer1971-1980Microprocessor
5Fifth Generation of Computer1980- Till NowArtificial Intelligence
Related Articles

Generations of Computer and its Differences

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Who Invented First Generation Computer?

J.P. Eckert and J.W. Mauchy invented the first successful electronic computer called ENIAC.

Which Language is used in First Generation Computers?

Machine Language.

What is the Size of First Generation Computers?

30.5 meters (100 feet) long.

Speed of First Generation Computer

The Speed of First Generation computers was measured in milliseconds.

The Popular First Generation Computer?

The IBM 650 Magnetic Drum Data-Processing Machine

Which is known as the Brain of Computers

CPU [Central Processing Unit]

Who Invented Second Generation Computers?

John Bardeen, William B. Shockley, and Walter H.

Which Language is Used in Second Generation Computers?

Assembly Language

What is the Main Component of Second Generations?

Transistor.

Get In Touch

I have also written and compiled some articles on computers and telecommunications, and please go through them.

I hope you will like reading it.

I hope that all the questions and queries related to Differences Between First Generation and Second Generation Computer System have been answered here.
If you have any questions related to the Pros and Cons of 1st and2nd Generation of computers.

Don’t hesitate to contact me, and if you need to add, remove, or update anything from the article, please let me know in the comment section or via email.

I will be more than happy to update the article. I am always ready to correct myself.

I was hoping you could share this article with your friends and colleagues; this motivates me to write more on related topics.

!!! Thank You !!!
Spread the Knowledge By Sharing

25 thoughts on “Differences Between First and Second Generation of Computers”

  1. You should be a part of a contest for one of the greatest blogs online. I am going to recommend this site!

    Reply
  2. Hello there I am so excited I found your blog page, I really found you by error, while I was searching on Google for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a fantastic post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the great work.

    Reply
  3. With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of plagiarism or copyright infringement? My blog has a lot of unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help reduce content from being ripped off? I’d definitely appreciate it.

    Reply
  4. Hey there, You have done an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
    I am sure they’ll be benefited from this website.

    Reply
  5. I do accept as true with all the concepts you have presented on your post. They are really convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for beginners. May you please prolong them a little from next time? Thank you for the post.

    Reply
  6. We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with helpful information to paintings on. You’ve performed an impressive task and our entire community can be thankful to you.

    Reply
  7. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this site with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

    Reply
  8. whoah this blog is wonderful i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, many people are searching around for this information, you can help them greatly.

    Reply
  9. Hello very nice blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also?I am happy to search out numerous helpful information here within the publish, we want work out extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

    Reply
  10. Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  11. Hey there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Terrific blog and fantastic design and style.

    Reply
  12. I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site 🙂

    Reply
  13. Hello There. I discovered your blog using msn. That is a really neatly written article. I?ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I?ll definitely comeback.

    Reply
  14. I was suggested this website by my cousin. I am not positive whether this post is written by him as nobody else recognise such distinctive approximately my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!

    Reply
  15. I discovered your weblog web site on google and examine just a few of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the very good operate. I simply further up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. Looking for ahead to studying extra from you in a while!?

    Reply
  16. Hello there I am so happy I found your weblog, I really found you by mistake, while I was researching on Aol for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a fantastic post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the fantastic job.

    Reply
  17. Admiring the hard work you put into your blog and detailed information you provide. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

    Reply
  18. Spot on with this write-up, I truly assume this website wants far more consideration. I?ll probably be once more to learn way more, thanks for that info.

    Reply
  19. Thanks for your post. I also feel that laptop computers are becoming more and more popular nowadays, and now tend to be the only kind of computer utilised in a household. This is because at the same time actually becoming more and more inexpensive, their computing power is growing to the point where they’re as strong as desktop from just a few years back.

    Reply
  20. What?s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist other users like its aided me. Great job.

    Reply
  21. I am curious to find out what blog system you are utilizing? I’m experiencing some small security issues with my latest website and I would like to find something more secure. Do you have any solutions?

    Reply

Leave a Comment