5th-Generation-of-Computers

The Computer Generations

Computer Generations

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates data or information. It has the capability to store, recover, and process information. Computers are such an integral part of our daily life now many people take them and what they have actually added to life absolutely for granted. The development of computer systems is normally talked about as the development of different generations.

With the succession of different generations, came the advancement in computer system technology. From the 1940s to today the major advancement was shown on the computer system like become smaller in size, cheaper and more efficient. As of 2020, there are 5 generations of computers. These are described below.

First Generation of Computer: Vacuum Tubes (1940– 1956)

First-Generation-of-Computers 

These early computers used vacuum tubes as circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. As a result, they were huge, literally using up whole spaces and costing a fortune to run. These were inefficient products that generated a lot of heat, drawn huge electricity, and subsequently created a lot of heat which caused ongoing breakdowns.

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These first-generation computers depended on ‘machine language’ (which is one of the most fundamental programs languages that can be understood by computer systems). These computers were restricted to solving one problem at a time. The input was based on punched cards and paper tape. Output came out on print-outs.

  • These were huge in size; the weight was about 30 tones.
  • These computer systems could calculate in milliseconds.

A couple of examples are:

  • ENIAC
  • EDVAC
Second Generation of Computer: Transistors (1956– 1963)

2nd-Generation-of-Compters

Transistors were used in the second generation of the computer and transistors replaced the vacuum tubes. The very first transistor was developed in 1947 but didn’t use in the computer till 1950. Transistors transcend to the vacuum tube because the transistor’s computer lessens, less expensive, and faster. It is extremely reliable than the very first generation of the computer system.

Transistors were likewise produced a big quantity of heat that subjected the computer to damage. However, some enhancement was shown in the second generation of the computer. The input was based on the punched cards and paper tapes and outputs were displayed on the hard copies which were the same as the very first generation of computers. The second generation of computer system transferred to the symbolic or assembly language from the cryptic binary machine language. This language enabled the programmers to define the input or instructions in words.

  • A cooling system was needed and was only utilized for specific functions.
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Few Examples are:

IBM 7094

CDC 3600

Third Generation of The Computer: Integrated Circuits (1964– 1971)

Third-Generation

The integrated circuits were utilized in the third generation of the computer. Transistors were placed on the silicon chips referred to as semiconductors which increases the speed and effectiveness of the computer significantly. In the third generation of computer user utilized the keyboards and displays and interfaced with an OS (operating system) instead of the punched cards and printouts. In this generation, the computer can run lots of applications at one time. This generation of the computer system is small, cheaper, and dependable than its predecessors.

Few Examples are:

  • PDP-8
  • IBM 360
Fourth Generation of Computer: Microprocessors (1971– 2010)

Fourth-Generation-of-Compters

In the fourth generation of computers, the creation of the microprocessor (commonly referred to as CPU) assisted to get computers to the desk and, later, the lap-size that we still know and use today. In 1981, we saw the first home computers, brought to us by IBM, and in 1984, the very first Apple Macintosh was introduced. Gradually these small computer systems ended up being more effective and, before long, the Internet was developed. Not just do we have screens and keyboards, at this time, however also mice and, ultimately, handheld gadgets like cell phones.

  • Fastest in calculation and size get minimized as compared to the previous generation of the computer system.
  • Less maintenance is required.
  • Microprocessor design and fabrication are really complicated.
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A few examples are:

  • IBM 4341
  • DEC 10
  • STAR 1000
5th Generation of Computer: Artificial Intelligence (2010– Present)

The 5th generation of the computer system is based on artificial intelligence and still in advancement. There are numerous applications which are used in this generation like voice recognition which is being used today. Using superconductors and parallel processing helps to make the AI a truth. The goal or target of this generation is to develop devices that react to natural languages.

5th-Generation-of-Computers

Among the more well-known examples of AI in computer systems is IBM’s Watson. Other better-known examples include Apple’s Siri on the iPhone and Microsoft’s Cortana on Windows 8 and Windows 10 computer systems. The Google online search engine likewise utilizes AI to process user searches.

  • It is readily available in different sizes and distinct features.
  • It provides computer systems with easier to use user interfaces with multimedia functions.

Few Examples are:

NoteBook

UltraBook

Chromebook