How does the first generation computer work in detail?

The period of first generation was from 1946-1959. The computers of first generation used vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central Processing Unit). These tubes, like electric bulbs, produced a lot of heat and the installations used to fuse frequently. read more

First generation computers had clock speeds of several hundred kHz to a few MHz. The UNIVAC I had a 2.25 MHz clock. Initial first-generation computers had very little internal read-write memory. ENIAC had none, except for its 20 10-digit accumulators. Other early computers used combinations of electrostatic, mercury delay line, and drum memories. read more

In 1941, enhancing his previous generation of computer, Zuse produced Z3, the world’s first working and fully automatic digital and electromechanical programmable computer. The Z3 was built with 2000 relays, implementing a 22-bit word length with the clock frequency of about 5–10 Hz. read more