There are five generations of computers -
1. First generation computers
2. Second generation computers
3. Third generation computers
4. Fourth generation computers
5. Fifth generation computers
First generation computers
This generation of computers ranges from the period 1946 to 1955. Computers
of this generation had following characteristics :
(a) Computers were of large size
and performed operations at low speed.
(b) Vacuum tubes were the main
electronic components of computers of this
generation.
(c) They did not have a concept
of stored memory or stored programs.
(d) Machine language and assembly language
was used in computers of this
generations.
(e) These computers generated a lot
of heat when used.
(f) Identification and rectification of error
was very difficult.
(g) These computers are very high cost
and expensive.
(i) Examples - ENIAC, EDVAC and UNIVAC - I are examples
of first generations.
Second generation computers
Computers developed during 1956 to
1964 come in the category of second
generation.
Characteristics of Second
generation computers are as following -
(a) Smaller size of computers are
increased processing speed as compared to
computers of first generation.
(b) Transistors were the main
electronic technology used in these
computers.
(c) They used the concept of
memory and data storage.
(d) High level languages like BASIC,
and FORTRAN were used in second
generation computers.
(e) Heat generations problems was reduced and
debugging became easier.
(f) Costs are down and computers
were less expensive.
(g) Examples - IBM 70 and IBM 1401.
Third Generations of Computers
It ranged from the period 1965
to 1972. Computers of third generation
had following features -
(a) Computers of this generations were
of further reduced size and cost.
(b) The main electronic component of
this generation was Integrated Circuits.
(c) In this generation the concept
of operating system came in.
(d) Refined high level languages were
used in these computers.
(e) Example - IBM 360, IBM 370, DEC 90, PDP Series.
Fourth Generations of Computers
This phase of computers were
developed during 1973 - 1980. With the
advancement in technology, the size of
the computer became handy and portable.
The computer cost was further reduced
and processing speed measurement started
in mini and micro sound.
The main component of computer was
integrated circuits only, but it large size
and referred as Very Large Scale
Integration (VLSI) and Microprocessor.
For example - Apple, Macintosh and CRAY- 1
Fifth Generation of Computers
The period from 1981 to till date
lies as fifth generation. The developmental
speed of computers is dynamic and
excessively fast. All the computers of
present scenario come under fifth
generation only. The basic technology
remains the usage of microprocessor and
in multiple number to give dramatic
increase in the overall functioning
of the computers. Now a day.
Engineers are working together to
incorporate the 'Artificial Intelligence' feature in
all commonly used in computer system.
Example - P2, P3, P4, P5 series of Intel.
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