The beginning of commercial computer age is from UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer). It was developed by two scientists Mauchly and Echert at the Census Department of United States in 1947. The first generation computers were used during 1942 to 1955. They were based on vacuum tubes. Examples of first generation computers are ENIVAC and UNIVAC-1.
Advantages
Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available during those days.
Vacuum tube technology made possible to make electronic digital computers.
These computers could calculate data in millisecond.
Disadvantages
The computers were very large in size.
They consumed a large amount of energy.
They heated very soon due to thousands of vacuum tubes.
They were not very reliable.
Air conditioning was required.
Constant maintenance was required.
Non-portable.
Costly commercial production.
Limited commercial use.
Very slow speed.
Limited programming capabilities.
Used machine language only.
Used magnetic drums which provide very less data storage.
Used punch cards for input.
Not versatile and very faulty.
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