NAME: AIZAT HELMI BIN ALI CLASS:4 AL FARABI IC NO :970204-01-7339

1. COMPUTER GENERATION

a. The First Generation: 1946-1958 (The Vacuum Tube Years)

These early computers used vacuum tubes as circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. As a result they were enormous, literally taking up entire rooms and costing a fortune to run. These were inefficient materials which generated a lot of heat, sucked huge electricity and subsequently generated a lot of heat which caused ongoing breakdowns. These first generation computers relied on machine language (which is the most basic programming language that can be understood by computers). These computers were limited to solving one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape. Output came out on print-outs. The two notable machines of this era were the UNIVAC and ENIAC machines the UNIVAC is the first every commercial computer which was purchased in 1951 by a business the US Census Bureau.

b. The Second Generation: 1959-1964 (The Era of the Transistor)

The replacement of vacuum tubes by transistors saw the advent of the second generation of computing. Although first invented in 1947, transistors werent used significantly in computers until the end of the 1950s. They were a big improvement over the vacuum tube, despite still subjecting computers to damaging levels of heat. However they were hugely superior to the vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster, cheaper and less heavy on electricity use. They still relied on punched card for input/printouts.

c. The Third Generation: 1965-1970 (Integrated Circuits - Miniaturizing the

Computer)

By this phase, transistors were now being miniaturised and put on silicon chips (called semiconductors). This led to a massive increase in speed and efficiency of these machines. These were the first computers where users interacted using keyboards and monitors which interfaced with an operating system, a significant leap up from the punch cards and printouts. This enabled these machines to run several applications at once using a central program which functioned to monitor memory. As a result of these advances which again made machines cheaper and smaller, a new mass market of users emerged during the 60s.

d. The Fourth Generation: 1971- (The Microprocessor)

This revolution can be summed in one word: Intel. The chip-maker developed the Intel 4004 chip in 1971, which positioned all computer components (CPU, memory, input/output controls) onto a single chip. What filled a room in the 1940s now fit in the palm of the hand. The Intel chip housed thousands of integrated circuits. The year 1981 saw the first ever computer (IBM) specifically designed for home use and 1984 saw the MacIntosh introduced by Apple. Microprocessors even moved beyond the realm of computers and into an increasing number of everyday products. The increased power of these small computers meant they could be linked, creating networks. Which ultimately led to the development, birth and rapid evolution of the Internet. Other major advances during this period have been the Graphical user interface (GUI), the mouse and more recently the astounding advances in lap-top capability and hand-held devices.

e. Fifth Generation - Present and Beyond:( Artificial Intelligence)

Fifth generations computers are only in the minds of advance research scientis and being tested out in the laboratories. These computers will be under ArtificalIntelligence(AI), They will be able to take commands in a audio visual way and carry outinstructions. Many of the operations which requires low human intelligence will be perfomed by these computers.Parallel Processing is coming and showing the possibiliy that the power of many CPU'scan be used side by side, and computers will be more powerful than thoes under central

2. BENEFITS OF USING ICT IN DAILY LIFE

a) Banking

Businessman can save their time by using the online service offered by banks. They can access company accounts for loan applications, business transactions and update on their cash flow at any time.
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Bank administrators can oversee the entire banking activities such as reconciliations, inter-branch transactions (IBT), telegraphic transfer and others by referring to the banking system Banking The computer is the nerve centre of the banking system around the world. It functions to control the entire banking system that also includes Electronic Banking Services Customers can make any transaction at the 24 hour service centers or via online

b) Education

Teachers use computer to research for teaching materials, participate in online forums and online conferences as well as to aid their teaching. Students use the computers as a reference tool. They use computers to browse the internet to look for information School administrators use computers for administrative purpose to make sure that the entire operation runs smoothly

c) Industry

Computer are used to facilitate production planning and control systems, to support chain management and to help in product design in the industrial sector. Workers use machines that are connected to computer to operate. In some productions, robots are used to take over jobs that are dangerous to the workers. Administrators use computers to oversee the entire operations in the plant or factory to detect specific errors or defect that occurred in the process.

d) E-commerce

Helps in boosting the economy. It makes buying and selling activities easier, more efficient and faster. For this application, computers, internet and shared software are needed. Customers use computers to be connected online with suppliers to purchase products. This method can save time and cost as they do not have to go to any outlets Suppliers use computers to keep track of their transactions. All products are bar coded and can be read by the computer scanner to help in determining prices and managing inventory Employees use computers and telephones to communicate with their customers for any enquiries The system helps employees to get the latest updates on inventory to be informed to the customers.

e) Entertainment

The world of entertainment is constantly evolving with the advent of new technologies. Digital broadcasting has changed the way we experience television, with more interactive programming and participation. Digital cameras, printers and scanners have enabled more people to experiment with image production. Computer gaming has been an important influence in the development of graphical interfaces. Technology has been at the forefront of changes in the production and distribution of music, as well as in the ways in which people can access and listen to music.

f) Social Network

Faster communication speed Lower communication cost Reliable mode of communication Effective sharing of information Paperless environment Borderless communication