First generation of computer

 The First Generation of Computer (1942 - 1955)

Vacuum Tube

1. Vacuum tubes were used in the manufacture of first generation computers. 2. Software was prepared in machine language and low level programming language. 
3. Punch card and paper tape were used for storing data and software. 
4. The calculation time or speed of the computer was in milliseconds. (1 ms = 1/1000 Sec)
5. The first generation computers were mainly used for scientific research and military work. 
6. They were bulky in size and more energy consuming, their storage capacity was less and the speed was slow. There was also a high probability of error in them. Hence their operation was an expensive task. 
7. They had to be kept in an air-conditioned environment due to the high heat generated by the vacuum tube. 
8. Examples are ENIAC, UNIVAC and IBM's Mark-1.
9. The invention of assembly language by Dr. Grace Hopper in 1952 made writing programs somewhat easier.

2nd Generation Computer