Generation of Computers

Generation of computers

the different computing devices developed over the years can be categories into several generations. Each generation of computer is the result of a technological development   , which changes the way to operate computers

Computer can be categories into five generation:-

1. First generation (1940 -1956)
2. Second generation (1956- 1963)
3. Third generation (1963- 1971)
4. Fourth generation (1971 – 1980)
5. Second generation (1980 – till date )

1. First Generation Computer :

• Vacuum tubes were used to build the circuitry for the computer. A vacuum tube was a device made up of glass and used filaments to generate electrons. It is used amplify the electronic signals.
• Magnetic drum is used for the memory of computer.
• Size of these computers was very large, single computer was used to cover the space of an entire room.
• Consume high electricity and generated a large amount of heat.
• Perform calculation in milliseconds.
• They used machine language to perform operation
• Takes Input from punch cards & paper tapes and display the results on paper as printouts.
• ENIAC(Electronic numerical integrator and Calculator)
• EDVAC (Electronic discrete variable automatic computer)
•  UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer)

2. Second Generation Computer :

• Transistor was used instead of vacuum tubes. Transistor was smaller than vacuum tubes.
• They consume less power and generate less amount of heat than vacuum tube.
• Transistors were faster and more reliable than vacuum tubes.
• Used assembly language instead of machine language.
• Since transistors replaced vacuum tubes the size and cost associated with computer is decreased.
• Takes Input from punch cards & paper tapes and display the results on paper as printouts.
• IBM 1620, PDP8, CDC1604

3. Third Generation Computer:

• Integrated Circuit (IC) were used in this generation .An IC is a silicon- chip that embeds on electronic circuit, which comprises several components such as transistor, diode and registers.
• The use of IC’s had increased the speed and efficiency of computer to a significant extent.
• Keyboard and monitor is used as I/O and O/P device respectively.
• Cheaper than the previous generation computer
• IBM 370, PDP11.

4. Fourth generation computer:

• Large scale Integration (LSI) and  very large scale integration (VLSI) technology were used.
• Use semiconductor memories instead of magnetic core memories.
• Use graphical user interface (GUI)
• Smaller and cheaper than the previous generation computer.
• Use high level programming language.
• personal computer (PC)

5. Fifth Generation Computer:

• Ultra large scale integration (ULSI) technology was used.
• Portable in size
• Does not require manual assembly of individual components.
• Intel Pentium microprocessor chip.

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