Five Generations of Computer

The evolution of computer development is connected to the various computer generation. All the five generations of computer have distinct technological development, unique characteristics and advantages and disadvantages.  Every development brings computers to compact size, powerful, efficient and cheaper.

 First Gernation Computers 1942 to 1959 (Vacuum Based) 

This first generation computers utilized vacuum tubes and magnetic cores. Use of magnetic drum for primary storage. Heat and size problems. Magnetic tape replaced punched cards as secondary storage. Programmed in machine language. The use of the vacuum tube in computers is usually regarded as the beginning of the computer age. Some examples are IBM 650 & 701, UNIVAC, EDVAC and ENIAC.

Characteristics

1. Based on vacuum technology
2. Only machine language is supported
3. Costly and unreliable
4. Bigger size and portability issues
5. Heat generation issues
6. Slow input / output devices

 Second Generation of Computers 1959 to 1965 (Transistor Based) 

Use of solid state components (transistors and diodes). Smaller in size compare to 1^st generation faster processing speeds. Increased memory with faster access times. In primary storage magnetic core were used and magnetic tape for secondary storage. Programmed in high level machine or symbolic language like FORTRAN, COBOL. The computers used multi programming operating system. Examples of Second generation of computers are IBM 1620, IBM 7094, CDC 1604 & 3600 and UNIVAC 1108

Characteristics

1. More reliable than 1^st generation computers
2. Used assembly languages
3. Improved accuracy
4. Data calculated in microseconds
5. Costly
6. Air Condition needed
7. Maintenance required
8. Heating issues existed

 Third Generation of Computers 1965 to 1970 (Integrated Circuit) 

In third generation computers integrated circuit took place of transistors where an IC has many transistors, resistors. Jack Kilby invited the circuit. This development Increased input/output, processing and storage capabilities. The time frame was measured in nanoseconds and then picoseconds, and computer memory became volatile. Time sharing and multiprogramming problem and procedure oriented programming languages. Minicomputers came into widespread use. Examples of third computer generation PDP (personal Data Processor), IBM 360 Series UNIVAC 1106 / 1108, Honeywell 6000 series

Characteristics

1. Integrated circuits were used
2. Reliable and smaller in size
3. Increased commercial production
4. Costly
5. Lesser electricity and maintenance
6. A.C needed
7. High level languages
8. Used for general purpose
9. Mouse and Keywords were used as Input devices

 Fourth Generation Computers 1970  – 1980 (VLSI Microprocessor) 

The computers of fourth generation based on Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits VLSI. VLSI circuits with 5000 transistors in a single chip which made possible the microcomputers of fourth generation. The very first microprocessor produced by Ted Hoff and introduced by in November 1971 as Intel 4004 to the general public.  This generation computer are more powerful, reliable and more affordable than the previous one.  It gave birth to the personal computer revolution. The examples of fourth generation computers are CRAY-1 & CRAY X-MP (Super Computers), Apple, IBM and Macintosh.

Characteristics

1. VLSI technology were used
2. Very Cheap, reliable and portable
3. Virtual memory
4. Distributed operating system
5. Revolution of Personal Computers
6. Compact design
7. Internet concept introduced
8. No Air condition needed
9. Development in computer networks
10. Easily available to general public
11. High level languages used C, C++ and DBASE etc.

Fifth Generation of Computers 1980-Onward (ULSI Microprocessor)

In the fifth computer generation upgraded to Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) circuits. This development became possible of microprocessor chip development having millions of electronics components.  5^th Generation Computers capable of reasoning, learning, making inferences, and otherwise behaving in ways usually considered the exclusive province of humans. These machines were equipped with massive primary storage capabilities and extremely fast processing speeds Software was proliferated and got much cheaper. This generation is based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The examples of fifth generation computers are Laptops, Desktops, Note and Ultra Books.

Characteristics

1. ULSI Circuits
2. Based on parallel processing
3. Based on Artificial Intelligence (IA)
4. Based on Neutral Language Processing
5. User friendly interface
6. More compact design
7. Cheaper Rates and availability to General Public
8. In 5^th generation High Level Languages are using like Java, C++ etc.