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Computer Generations

The document outlines the evolution of computer generations from the first to the fifth, detailing the technological advancements and key features of each generation. It highlights the transition from vacuum tubes to ULSI technology, the introduction of programming languages, and the development of artificial intelligence. Each generation is characterized by improvements in size, reliability, cost, and processing capabilities.

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15 views10 pages

Computer Generations

The document outlines the evolution of computer generations from the first to the fifth, detailing the technological advancements and key features of each generation. It highlights the transition from vacuum tubes to ULSI technology, the introduction of programming languages, and the development of artificial intelligence. Each generation is characterized by improvements in size, reliability, cost, and processing capabilities.

Uploaded by

dondamy2
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Computer - First Generation

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. Therefore, they were very
expensive and only large organizations were able
to afford it.
In this generation, mainly batch processing
operating system was used. Punch cards, paper
tape, and magnetic tape was used as input and
output devices. The computers in this generation
used machine code as the programming
language.

The main features of the first generation are −


Vacuum tube technology
Unreliable
Supported machine language only
Very costly
Generated a lot of heat
Slow input and output devices
Huge size
Need of AC
Non-portable
Consumed a lot of electricity
Some computers of this generation were −
ENIAC
EDVAC
UNIVAC
IBM-701
IBM-650
Computer - Second
Generation

The period of second generation was from 1959-


1965. In this generation, transistors were used
that were cheaper, consumed less power, more
compact in size, more reliable and faster than the
first generation machines made of vacuum tubes.
In this generation, magnetic cores were used as
the primary memory and magnetic tape and
magnetic disks as secondary storage devices.
In this generation, assembly language and high-
level programming languages like FORTRAN,
COBOL were used. The computers used batch
processing and multiprogramming operating
system.

The main features of second generation are −


Use of transistors
Reliable in comparison to first generation
computers
Smaller size as compared to first
generation computers
Generated less heat as compared to first
generation computers
Consumed less electricity as compared to
first generation computers
Faster than first generation computers
Still very costly
AC required
Supported machine and assembly
languages
Some computers of this generation were −
IBM 1620
IBM 7094
CDC 1604
CDC 3600
UNIVAC 1108
Computer - Third Generation

The period of third generation was from 1965-


1971. The computers of third generation used
Integrated Circuits (ICs) in place of transistors. A
single IC has many transistors, resistors, and
capacitors along with the associated circuitry.
The IC was invented by Jack Kilby. This
development made computers smaller in size,
reliable, and efficient. In this generation remote
processing, time-sharing, multiprogramming
operating system were used. High-level
languages (FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL
PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68 etc.) were used during
this generation.

The main features of third generation are −


IC used
More reliable in comparison to previous
two generations
Smaller size
Generated less heat
Faster
Lesser maintenance
Costly
AC required
Consumed lesser electricity
Supported high-level language
Some computers of this generation were −
IBM-360 series
Honeywell-6000 series
PDP (Personal Data Processor)
IBM-370/168
TDC-316
Computer - Fourth
Generation

The period of fourth generation was from 1971-


1980. Computers of fourth generation used Very
Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. VLSI
circuits having about 5000 transistors and other
circuit elements with their associated circuits on
a single chip made it possible to have
microcomputers of fourth generation.
Fourth generation computers became more
powerful, compact, reliable, and affordable. As a
result, it gave rise to Personal Computer (PC)
revolution. In this generation, time sharing, real
time networks, distributed operating system were
used. All the high-level languages like C, C++,
DBASE etc., were used in this generation.

The main features of fourth generation are −


VLSI technology used
Very cheap
Portable and reliable
Use of PCs
Very small size
Pipeline processing
No AC required
Concept of internet was introduced
Great developments in the fields of
networks
Computers became easily available
Some computers of this generation were −
DEC 10
STAR 1000
PDP 11
CRAY-1(Super Computer)
CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)
Computer - Fifth Generation

The period of fifth generation is 1980-till date. In


the fifth generation, VLSI technology became
ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology,
resulting in the production of microprocessor
chips having ten million electronic components.
This generation is based on parallel processing
hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software.
AI is an emerging branch in computer science,
which interprets the means and method of
making computers think like human beings. All
the high-level languages like C and C++, Java,
.Net etc., are used in this generation.

AI includes −
Robotics
Neural Networks
Game Playing
Development of expert systems to make
decisions in real-life situations
Natural language understanding and
generation
The main features of fifth generation are −
ULSI technology
Development of true artificial intelligence
Development of Natural language
processing
Advancement in Parallel Processing
Advancement in Superconductor
technology
More user-friendly interfaces with
multimedia features
Availability of very powerful and compact
computers at cheaper rates
Some computer types of this generation are −
Desktop
Laptop
NoteBook
UltraBook
ChromeBook

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