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Generations of Computers

The document outlines the five generations of computers, starting from the first generation using vacuum tubes to the current fifth generation focused on artificial intelligence. It also classifies computers based on their working methods into analog, digital, and hybrid types. Each generation is characterized by advancements in technology, programming languages, and storage capabilities.

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2 views3 pages

Generations of Computers

The document outlines the five generations of computers, starting from the first generation using vacuum tubes to the current fifth generation focused on artificial intelligence. It also classifies computers based on their working methods into analog, digital, and hybrid types. Each generation is characterized by advancements in technology, programming languages, and storage capabilities.

Uploaded by

tanishrajthakur
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Generations Of computers

1. First Generation (1940–1956): Vacuum Tubes.

First computer was made in this generation. These computers used vacuum tubes.

a) UNIVAC ( Universal automatic computer ) was the first computer of this category.
b) In their manufacture, vacuum tubes were created.
c) Machine language and low-level programming language were used in this Generation.
d) The calculating time or speed of these computers was mini second.
e) These Were Large in size and mainly used in Scientific research and military work.
f) ENIAC, UNIVAC, MARC-I come under this generation.
g) Due to vacuum tubes, they produced a lot of heat.
h) Programming in these computers became easier with the invention of assembly
language by Dr. Grace Hopper in 1952.

2. Second Generation (1956–1963): Transistors.

a) Semiconductor transistors have been used in place of vacuum tubes in these


computers.
b) Computers in this generation started being prepared in magnetic storage devices.
c) E.g. Magnetic tape, magnetic disk were used as memory devices.
d) At the same time, high-level languages like COBOL (Common Business Oriented
Language) and FORTRAN (Formula Translation) were developed by IBM for
computer programming.

3. Third Generation (1964–1971): Integrated Circuits (IC).

a) In these computers, integrated circuit chips are used instead of transistors.


b) Fabrication of hundreds of electronic devices (transistors, capacitors, and registers)
became possible in an integrated circuit (IC).
c) It was during this period that keyboard, monitor were started as input-output
devices.
d) Firstly, due to the introduction of RAM, the storage capacity of the computer
increased.
e) Computer calculation time began to be measured in nanoseconds.
f) At this time, high-level languages Pascal and BASIC were developed.

4. Fourth Generation (1971–1989): Microprocessors.

a) Microprocessor was first used in computers.


• Also, LSI (Large Scale Integration) and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration)
increased the capability of microprocessors, and thus small-sized computers
became possible.
b) The first microprocessor was developed by Professor Marcian Edward "Ted" Hoff
Jr. in 1971.
c) From now on, semiconductor memory took the place of magnetic disk and tape.
d) At the same time, high-speed computer networks such as LAN (Local Area
Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) were developed.
e) In 1981, IBM developed the first microcomputer, which was called PC.
f) Important operating systems like MS-DOS, MS-Windows, Apple OS were
developed.

5. Fifth Generation (1989–So far): Artificial Intelligence.

a) In this phase, development of microprocessor continued.

• Components of electronic components became possible such as VLSI, ULSI


(Ultra Large Scale Integration), SLSI (Super Large Scale Integration).

b) It was during this phase that the Internet and social media were developed.
c) Navigation tools, CD, DVD, etc., developed as memory devices.
d) Internet, E-mail, etc., developed in the field of networking.
e) Currently, efforts are going on to install artificial intelligence in computers.
f) It was during this phase that C language was developed into a high-level language.

Classification Based on Working Method:

On the basis of working method, computers are mainly classified into three types:

1. Analog Computer:
In these computers, electric signals are used.
These computers are used to measure physical quantities like temperature, pressure,
voltage, etc.
Examples of analog computers are: Thermometer, Speedometer, etc.
2. Digital Computer:
These computers perform operations using electronic signals in the form of 0 and 1
(binary).
These are most commonly used.
Examples: Calculator, Watch, Personal Computer (PC), etc.
3. Hybrid Computer:
These computers are a combination of both analog and digital computers.
In these, the processing of input and output is done in analog and digital form.

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