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Generations of computer
First generation of computer.
The time period of first generation computer is ( 1940 - 1956 ).
The first generation computer were characterized by the use of vacuum tubes.
The vacuum tubes were used as the basic .
Components for memory as well circuitry for CPU ( central processing unit).
First generation computer relied on machine level language as a programming language.
They had limited internal storage capacity and slow input/output operations.
As a parts of secondary storage.
punch cards and paper tapes were used as secondary storage.
The first electronic computer ,ENIAC ( Electronic numerical integrator and computer ) was developed in 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania, USA.
The ENIAC was 30-50 feet long, weighed 30 tons ,contained 18,000 vacuum tubes, 70,000 registers, 10,000 capacitors and required 150,000 watts electricity.
The first electronic computer, ENIAC
First generation computer were too bulky in size and were not portable.
These computers were very expensive to operate, in addition to using a great amount of electricity.
They generated a lot of heart due to thousands of vacuum tubes, which was often the cause of malfunctions.
Some of the examples of first generation computer are
ENIAC ( Electronic numerical integrator and computer ).
EDVAC ( Electronic discrete variable automatic computer ).
EDSAC ( Electronic delay storage automatic calculator ).
UNIVAC -1 ( Universal automatic computer ).
Second generation of computer
The time period of second generation computer is from ( 1956 - 1963 ).
Second generation computer were characterized by the use of transistors.
The transistors were highly reliable and easier to handle and maintain than the vacuum tubes. They required much less power.
The period also witnessed development of high level procedural languages ( like FORTRAN, COBOL).
The computer used multiprogramming and batch processing operating system.
The magnetic cores were used for primary memory ( RAM).
Tapes and magnetic disk storage were used as secondary storage.
Second generation computer were smaller, faster, reliable and generated much less heat in comparison to first generation computer.
Also they consumed much less electricity in comparison to first generation computer.
Some of the examples of second generation computer are
IBM 7094
CDC 1604
CDC 3600
Univac 1108
Third generation of computer
The time period of third generation is (1964 - 1971).
Third generation computer were characterized by the use of IC ( Integrated Circuits ).
And what is IC
A single IC, has many transistors, registers and capacitors built on a single thin slice of silicon.
They are small in size, less power consuming and less expensive.
High level language ( FORTRAN-ll TO lV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68,etc. ) were used as programming language.
Also in this generation, Remote processing, Time sharing, Real-time multiprogramming Operating system have been used.
Large capacity magnetic cores used as RAM ( primary memory ).
Large capacity magnetic disk and tapes were used as secondary storage.
Third generation computer were smaller, faster, reliable and generated much less heat in comparison to second generation computer.
Also they consumed much less electricity in comparison to second generation computer.
Same of the examples of third generation computer are
IBM 360/370
Honeywell-6000 series
PDP ( personal data processor )
TDC - 316
Fourth generation of computer
The time period of fourth generation is( 1971 – 1985 ).
Fourth generation computer were characterized by the use of vary large scale integrated ( VLSI ) circuits.
Tens of thousands of components were packed on a single chip, the size of a fingernail. It led to the development of microprocessor.
High - language ( c, c++,DBMS etc. ) were used as programming language.
Semiconductor memories were used as primary memory.
In this generation, personal computer ( PCs) or microcomputers were developed.
In this generation, time - sharing, real - time network, and distributed operating systems have been used.
So here are couple of bigs of fourth generation of computer table as non as PC that is personal computer and they revolutionized they uses of computer personal purpose.
PCs became more affordable s popular during this period.
Fourth generation computer were smaller, faster, powerful and reliable in comparison to third generation computer.
Fast processing power with less power consumption. No AC was required due to fan installation for heat discharging.
Same of the examples of fourth generation computer are
IBM PC
APPLE ll
STAR 1000
DEC 10
Fifth generation of computer
The time period of fourth generation is(1985 - present ).
Fifth generation computers are characterized by the use of ultra large scale integrated ( ULSI ) circuits.
Microprocessor chips were developed having several million electronic components each.
Powerful laptops, notebook PCs and desktops were developed during this period.
In this generation, user - friendly operating system like MS windows and Linux have been used.
High level language ( c++, Java, python, Net etc.) have been developed and used as programming language.
This are the laptops and computer of generation of computer which we currently use.
More futures of fifth generation computer are.
Development of true artificial intelligence.
Advancement in parallel processing.
More user friendly interface with multimedia features / gaming.
Very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates.
Some of the examples of fifth generation computer are
Desktop
Laptop
Notebook
Chromebook
Summary
Generation. Core element. Time period
1st gen. vacuum tubes 1940 -1656
2nd gen. Transistors. 1956 -1963
3rd gen. ICs. 1964 -1971
4th gen. VLSI. 1971 -1985
5th gen. ULSI. 1985-present
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