Generation of Computer
Generation of Computer
The evolution of modern computers occurred in different phases. The development of modern digital computers during different time periods is known as the generation of computers. There are five computer generations on the basis of major electronic components, size, speed, capacity, reliability, and performance.
Five generations of computer
1. First Generation Computer
2. Second Generation Computer
3. Third Generation Computer
4. Fourth Generation Computer
5. Fifth Generation Computer
First Generation Computer
First-generation computer
Duration (1946–1959)
Major electronic component/device: Vacuum Tube
Size: Very big
Performance: Very slow
Storage: Very low
Capacity: low
Programming language used: machine level
Example computer: ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC, IBM-701, and IBM-650.
The main features of the first generation are:
- They used Vacuum tube technology
- Supported machine language only
- They were very costly
- Generated a lot of heat
- Slow input and output devices
- Huge size
- Consumed a lot of electricity
Second Generation Computer
Second generation computer
Duration: (1959–1965)
Major electronic component/device: transistor
Example: IBM 1620, IBM 7094, CDC 1604, CDC 3600, UNIVAC 1108
Size: smaller than first generation computer.
Performance: Better than first generation computer.
Programming Language used: machine and assembly languages
The main features of second generation are:
- They used transistors as the major component
- Reliable in comparison to first generation computers
- Smaller size as compared to first generation computers
- Generated less heat as compared to first generation computers
- Consumed less electricity as compared to first generation computers
- Faster than first generation computers
- They were very costly
- Supported machine and assembly languages
Third Generation Computer
Third generation computer
Duration: (1965–1971)
Major electronic Component/Device: IC (Integrated Circuit) chips
Size: smaller than first and second generation computer.
Performance: Better than first and second generation computer.
Example computers: IBM-360 series, Honeywell-6000 series, PDP (Personal Data Processor),
IBM-370/168, TDC-316
Programming Language used: High level language
The main features of third generation computer are:
- They used IC (Integrated Circuit) as the major component
- More reliable in comparison to the previous two generations
- Smaller size
- Generated less heat
- Faster
- Lesser maintenance
- Consumed lesser electricity
- Supported high-level language
Fourth Generation Computer
Fourth generation computer
Duration: 1971-present
Major component/device used: Microprocessor
Size: very small
Performance: Very high
Capacity: Very high
Storage: very high
Example computer: Laptop, desktop, CRAY-1(Super Computer)
CRAY-X-MP (Super Computer), DEC 10, STAR 1000
Programming Language used: High level language
The main features of fourth generation computer are:
- Very cheap
- Portable and reliable
- Very small size
- Very fast
- High level programming language used
- Concept of the internet was introduced
- Great developments in the fields of networks
- Computers became easily available
- Less power consumption
Fifth Generation Computer
Fifth generation computer
Duration: Present-Future
Major component/device used: Bio-chips/ULSI technology
Size: very small
Performance: super-fast
Capacity: extremely high
Programming Language used: High level language
Example computer: Desktop, Laptop, Note Book, Ultra Book, Chrome Book
Technology: AI-Artificial Intelligence
The main features of fifth generation computers are:
- They use Bio-chips/ULSI technology
- They are very smaller and portable
- They are super-fast with very high storage capacity.
- Development of true artificial intelligence
- Development of Natural language processing
- Advancement in Parallel Processing
- Advancement in Superconductor technology
- More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features
- Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates