INTRODUCTION:-
The term “Generations of computer” refers to the various stages of development and
advancements in computer technology. Each generation is characterized by significant
changes in hardware, software and overall computing capabilities. The evolution of
computers can be broadly categorized into five generations, each marked by technological
innovations that have transformed the computing landscape.
Following Are The Generations Of Computer:-
1. FIRST GENERATION OF COMPUTER ( 1940S – 1950S ) :-
They consisted of large devices like the vacuum tubes. The input method of
these computers was a machine language known as the 1GL or the first
generation language. The physical methods of using punch cards, paper tape and
magnetic tape were used to enter data into these computers.
A. Characteristics ;
Vacuum tubes as main components
Large size and high power consumption
Limited processing speed and memory
B. Examples ;
i. ENIAC ( Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer )
ii. UNIVAC I ( Universal Automatic Computer )
2. SECOND GENERATION OF COMPUTER ( 1950S – 1960S ) :-
A second generation computer, through the late 1950s and 1960s featured
circuit boards filled with individual transistors and magnetic-core memory.
These machines remained the mainstreams design into the late 1960s, when
integrated circuits started appearing and led to the third-generation computer.
A. Characteristics ;
Transitions to transistors from vacuum tubes
Smaller in size and more reliable
Introduction of assembly language programming
B. Examples ;
i. IBM ( International business machines ) 1401
ii. CDC (Change data capture ) 1604
3. THIRD GENERATION COMPUTERS ( 1960S – 1970S ) :-
Third-generation computers used integrated circuits in place of transistors.
With the use of integrated circuits, these computers became reliable, generated
less heat, were small in size, fast, very less maintenance, and were inexpensive.
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A. Characteristics ;
Integrated circuits (ICs) introduced
Improved speed, reliability and cost – effectiveness
Development of High – Level Programming Languages (COBOL ( Common
business oriented language ) , Fortran ( High level computer programming
language used especially for scientific calculations ) )
B. Examples ;
i. IBM ( International business machine ) System/360
ii. DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation ) PDP ( Programmed Data Processor )-11
4. FOURTH GENERATION COMPUTERS ( 1970S – 1980S ) :-
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These computers used the VLSI technology or the very large scale integrated
( VLSI ) circuits technology. Therefore they were also known as the
microprocessors. Intel was the first company to develop a microprocessor.
A. Characteristics ;
Microprocessors and microcontrollers
Personal computers (PCs) become popular
Introduction of GUI (Graphical User Interface)
B. Examples ;
i. Apple II
ii. IBM ( International business machine ) PC
5. FIFTH GENERATION COMPUTERS ( 1980S-PRESENT ) :-
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The computers of fifth-generation use AI (artificial intelligence) technology that
includes: Development of expert systems, Game playing, Robotics, Natural language
understanding and Neural Networks. The AI technology made these computers to
understand human language as well as recognize graphs and pictures.
A. Characteristics ;
Advancements in VLSI ( Very Large Scale Integrations )
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and parallel processing
Portable computing devices
B. Examples ;
i. Cray-2 Supercomputer
ii. Intel Pentium processors
FUTURE PROSPECTS :-
C. Quantum Computing ;
i. Introduction to quantum bits (qubits )
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ii. Potential for solving complex problems
D. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning ;
i. Integration of AI into everyday computing
ii. Neutral networks and deep learning algorithms
CONCLUSIONS :-
1. Recap of Computer Generations
2. Impact of Technological Advancements
3. Importance of Continuous Learning in the Field
