History of Computers – Generations & Milestones - JKSSB Mock Test

The history of computers is a journey of innovation from ancient calculation devices to today’s powerful machines. In the JKSSB Computer Awareness section, questions on computer history and generations are commonly asked.

This guide covers:

• Early devices and evolution of computers
• Five generations of computers
• Major milestones in computer development
• Important inventions with examples
• FAQs for JKSSB exam

Early History of Computing Devices

Before computers, people used basic devices for calculations. These were the foundations of modern computing.

Ancient Calculation Devices:

• Abacus (3000 BC): First known calculator using beads
• Napier's Bones (1617): Manual multiplication tool invented by John Napier
• Pascaline (1642): Mechanical calculator by Blaise Pascal
• Leibniz Calculator (1673): Improved calculator for multiplication and division

Charles Babbage – Father of the Computer

• Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine in 1837.
• It was the first concept of a programmable computer.
• Ada Lovelace is known as the first computer programmer.

Generations of Computers

Computer evolution is divided into 5 generations based on technology changes.

1️⃣ First Generation (1940–1956)

• Used Vacuum Tubes for circuits
• Very large and consumed a lot of power
• Slow processing speed
• Example: ENIAC, UNIVAC

2️⃣ Second Generation (1956–1963)

• Used Transistors instead of vacuum tubes
• Smaller, faster, and more reliable
• Low power consumption compared to first generation
• Example: IBM 1401

3️⃣ Third Generation (1964–1971)

• Used Integrated Circuits (IC)
• Further reduction in size and cost
• More reliable and efficient
• Example: IBM 360 series

4️⃣ Fourth Generation (1971–Present)

• Used Microprocessors
• Very small in size (personal computers introduced)
• High-speed and multitasking computers
• Examples: Intel processors, IBM PCs, Laptops

5️⃣ Fifth Generation (Present and Future)

• Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies
• Use of supercomputers, robotics, machine learning
• Natural language processing and expert systems
• Examples: AI assistants like Siri, Alexa

Summary Table: Generations of Computers

Generation	Technology	Example
First	Vacuum Tubes	ENIAC, UNIVAC
Second	Transistors	IBM 1401
Third	Integrated Circuits	IBM 360
Fourth	Microprocessors	Personal Computers
Fifth	Artificial Intelligence	AI-powered systems

Major Milestones in Computer History

• 1837: Charles Babbage designs Analytical Engine
• 1943–1944: Development of ENIAC, first electronic computer
• 1951: UNIVAC I – first commercial computer
• 1971: Intel develops first microprocessor (Intel 4004)
• 1981: IBM launches first personal computer (IBM PC)
• 1990s: Internet revolution starts
• 2007: Apple introduces the iPhone (smartphone era begins)
• 2010s–2020s: Rise of AI, robotics, and cloud computing

Inventions that Changed Computing

• Keyboard and Mouse: Human input devices
• Monitor: Display screen for computers
• Operating System: Software to run computers (Windows, Linux, macOS)
• Internet: Global network connecting computers
• Cloud Computing: Using storage and software over the Internet

Important People in Computer History

Person	Contribution
Charles Babbage	Father of Computer
Ada Lovelace	First Programmer
John von Neumann	Stored Program Concept
Bill Gates	Founder of Microsoft
Steve Jobs	Co-founder of Apple
Tim Berners-Lee	Invented the World Wide Web

Computer Evolution: From Then to Now

• Early Days: Mechanical calculators
• Mid 20th Century: Large electronic computers
• Late 20th Century: Personal computers and Internet
• 21st Century: Smartphones, AI, Cloud, IoT (Internet of Things)

FAQs: History of Computers – JKSSB

Q1: Who is called the Father of Computer?

Answer: Charles Babbage

Q2: What is the first generation of computers?

Answer: Computers using Vacuum Tubes (1940–1956)

Q3: What is a microprocessor?

Answer: A chip that contains CPU functions in a single unit

Q4: What is the major feature of the fifth generation of computers?

Answer: Use of Artificial Intelligence

Q5: Name two examples of early computers.

Answer: ENIAC and UNIVAC

Final Thoughts

For JKSSB Computer Awareness, understanding the history of computers is important. Focus on the five generations, important inventions, and major milestones.

Practice these notes to answer computer history questions confidently in the exam.

All the best for your JKSSB exam preparation!