Computer Generations
Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology a computer
is/was being used. Initially, the generation term was used to distinguish
between varying hardware technologies. But nowadays, generation includes
both hardware and software, which together make up an entire computer
system.
There are totally five computer generations known till date. Each generation
has been discussed below;
First Generation (1940-1956) Vacuum Tubes
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, the
first computers 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, and it could take days or weeks
to set-up a new problem. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.
The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generation computing devices. The UNIVAC was the first
commercial computer delivered to a business client, the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.
Second Generation (1956-1963) Transistors
Transistors replace vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers. The transistor was invented in
1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until the late 1950s. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum
tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-
generation predecessors.
Though the transistor still generated a great deal of heat that subjected the computer to damage, it was a vast
improvement over the vacuum tube. Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and
printouts for output.
Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or assembly, languages,
which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. High-level programming languages were also being
developed at this time, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. These were also the first computers that
stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.
The first computers of this generation were developed for the atomic energy industry.
Third Generation (1964-1971) Integrated Circuits
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.
Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation computers
through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to run many
different applications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory. Computers for the first time
became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.
Fourth Generation (1971-Present) Microprocessors
The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a
single silicon chip. What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand. The Intel
4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the computer—from the central processing unit and
memory to input/output controls—on a single chip.
In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh.
Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop computers and into many areas of life as more and more
everyday products began to use microprocessors.
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.
Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond) Artificial Intelligence
Scientists are working hard on the 5th generation computers with quite a few
breakthroughs. It is based on the technique of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Computers
can understand spoken words & imitate human reasoning. Can respond to its
surroundings using different types of sensors. Scientists are constantly working to
increase the processing power of computers. They are trying to create a computer
with real IQ with the help of advanced programming and technologies. IBM
Watson computeris one example that outsmarts Harvard University Students. The
advancement in modern technologies will revolutionize the computer in future.
