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Five generations of computer
Five generations of computer
First generation – 1946 to 1958
Second generation – 1959 to 1964
Third generation – 1965 to 1970
Fourth generation – 1971 to Today Fifth generation – Today to future
The First Generation
The First Generation
The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory, and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms. They were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.
First generation computers relied on machine language, the lowest level programming language understood by computers, to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.
Examples:
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer)
EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator)
UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer I)
UNIVAC II (Universal Automatic Computer II)
UNIVAC 1101 (Universal Automatic Computer II01)
The Second Generation
The Second Generation
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers. One transistor replaced the equivalent of 40 vacuum tubes. Allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable. Still generated a great deal of heat that can damage the computer.
Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or assembly, languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. Second generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output. These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.
Examples: UNIVAC III, RCA 501, Philco Transact S-2000, NCR 300 series, IBM 7030 Stretch, IBM 7070, 7080, 7090 series
The Third Generation
The Third Generation
The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers. It could carry out instructions in billionths of a second. Much smaller and cheaper compare to the second-generation computers.
The Fourth Generation
The Fourth Generation
The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet. Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and handheld devices
The Fifth Generation
The Fifth Generation
Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Still in development. The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality. The goal is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self organization. There are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today.
Summary of Generations of Computers
Summary of Generations of Computers
First Generation (1946–1958)
First Generation (1946–1958)
Used vacuum tubes and magnetic drums.
Huge, expensive, and generated much heat.
Programming done in machine language.
Input/output via punch cards and paper.
Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC I & II, EDSAC
Second Generation (1959–1964)
Second Generation (1959–1964)
Introduced transistors, replacing vacuum tubes.
Faster, smaller, and more reliable.
Used assembly language.
Magnetic core memory introduced.
Examples: UNIVAC III, IBM 7070, RCA 501
Third Generation (1965–1970)
Third Generation (1965–1970)
Used integrated circuits (ICs), improving speed and size.
Enhanced efficiency and computing power.
Allowed billionth-of-a-second operations.
Fourth Generation (1971–Present)
Fourth Generation (1971–Present)
Introduced microprocessors (ICs on a single chip).
GUIs, mouse, and mobile devices emerged.
Development of the Internet and networking.
Fifth Generation (Present & Future)
Fifth Generation (Present & Future)
Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Emphasizes machine learning, natural language processing.
Involves parallel processing, superconductors.
Examples include voice recognition and smart assistants.
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