How many generations of computers and what?

EduTech 365 July 26, 2022

 Computer Generation Full Details

Computer Generation – Today we use very small and powerful computers but computers were not so advanced from the beginning. If we talk about the early generation of computers then they were quite large in size and much slower than today's generation of computers.

The journey of computers started from 1940, but till date computers have been classified into five generations according to their capabilities. Different generations of computers and their features are discussed in detail below.



How many generations of computers and what?

If we talk about the different generations of computers, from the first computer invented in 1940 to the present, according to their features and performance, a total of 5 generations of computers have been divided into categories, they are –

 

  • First Generation Computers (1940 – 1956)
  • Second Generation Computers (1956 – 1963)
  • Third Generation Computers (1964 – 1971)
  • Fourth Generation Computers (1971 – 1984)
  • Fifth Generation Computers (1984 – Present)

 

Computer Generations and Their Features

First Generation Computers (1940 – 1956)

First generation of computers – This generation of computers used large vacuum tubes. The first generation of computers were used between 1940 and 1956. The first generation of successful electronic computer was the ENIAC, developed by J.P. Eckert and J.W. Mouchi. The full form of ENIAC is “Electronic Numeric Integrator and Calculator”

ENIAC was a very large computer that weighed close to 30 tons. It can only store limited data. Von Neumann designed EDVAC before ENIAC was completed. This computer worked on the basis of binary number system. The full form of EDVAC is “Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer”. The first generation of computers produced large amounts of heat that required air conditioning (AC) to keep them cool.

The first generation of computers used a lot of power. Being too big, it could not be moved from one place to another. Many types of computers were built in the first generation, which are as follows: ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator), UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) etc.

 

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Characteristics of first generation computers

  1. Early computers used vacuum tubes because vacuum tubes were the only source of electricity in those days.
  2. These computers can calculate in milliseconds.
  3. It can only store a small amount of data due to the presence of a magnetic drum.
  4. They are very large in size, weighing about 30 tons.
  5. Limited programming capability and punch cards were used to take input.
  6. Early computers used large vacuum tubes that produced more heat than ACs used to cool them.
  7. The first generation of computers worked in machine language. Where all commands and data were given between 0 and 1.

Advantages of first generation computers –

Advantages Computers were simple in structure, and the computers had a system for storing information.

Disadvantages of first generation computers –

Computers were large in size, very slow to operate, and the ability to produce results based on data was very poor. The use of vacuum tubes generated a lot of heat from the devices, so computers had to be air-conditioned to run. Also computers of that era were very expensive.

Examples of first generation computers and languages used

Example – Machines -ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC, UNIVAC-I, MARK-I

The languages used in the first generation of computers – machine language and assembly language were used.

Second Generation Computers (1956 – 1963)

The second generation of computers lasted from 1956 to 1963. The biggest change in the second generation of computers was that transistors were used instead of vacuum tubes.

Transistors were much smaller than vacuum tubes, due to which it could be carried from one place to another, meaning it was portable. Also, after the use of transistors, computers were much faster and more efficient than the first generation, but the second generation computers provided heat, but it provided less heat than the first generation computers. To keep it cool too, AC (air conditioner) was required.

 

Characteristics of second generation computers

  1. Second generation computers used transistors in place of vacuum tubes.
  2. The processing speed of this generation of computers is quite a bit higher than the first generation computers.
  3. Magnetic Taps from Inam Data Store will not be used
  4. During this generation, programming began with higher level COBOL and FORTRAN.
  5. Computers specified in this edition include Homet: UNIVAC, IBM 700 and Atlas etc.
  6. Examples of second generation computers and languages ​​used

 

Example – Machine IBM-1401, PDP-I, IBM-7000, IBM-1620, NCR-304, CDC, Honeywell, Univac 1108 etc.

Languages used in second generation computers – various high-level languages, such as FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC, ALGOL, PL/I etc.

Third Generation Computers (1964 – 1971)

The next step in the evolution of computers is the third generation computer. Third generation computers first replaced transistors with integrated circuits (ICs). An IC is much smaller and consumes less power than a transistor and is much faster and more reliable. SSIC (Small Scale Integrated Circuit) and MSIC (Medium Scale Integrated Circuit) were used in this generation.

 This generation of computers are also called mini computers. Its cost is also very low, due to which this generation of computers were widely used in business, industry.

Various types of devices were also invented in this generation which are as follows: PDP-8, PDP-11, ICL2900, IBM 360, IBM 370 etc.

 Characteristics of third generation computers

  1. These computers used ICs instead of transistors, which were more powerful than transistors.
  2. Since the size of the IC was smaller than the size of the transistor circuit, the size of this generation of computers was also very small.
  3. Due to the small size of electrical circuits in these computers, their processing speed was high.
  4. Third generation computers used high level languages ​​for the first time. The first high-level language was called Fortran.
  5. This generation of computers required only one person to operate.

Advantages of third generation computers –

This generation of computers was much smaller and portable, the use of ICs reduced heat generation, and the computers of this generation were much faster than the previous two generations. Computers increased in performance, reliability and accuracy, and the need for air conditioning was greatly reduced.

Disadvantages of third generation computers –

As computer architecture became more complex, the need for air conditioning in special cases remained in this generation.

Examples of third generation computers and languages ​​used

Example – Machine IBM 360, IBM 370, ICL 2900, PDP II, CDC 1700 etc.

 

Fourth Generation Computers (1971 – 1984)

Microprocessors are used in the fourth generation of computers. This generation of computer is currently used in our computers. Microprocessor is a single chip which is used to perform Arithmetical and Logical calculation in computer. The first microprocessor was invented by Ted Hoff of the United States who developed the first microprocessor Intel 4004 and was working for Intel Corporation.

The fourth generation of computers lasted from 1971 to 1980. Although today only microprocessors are used in computers. This generation of computers can be connected to each other through networks. This generation of computers were very small and very fast performance, this generation of computers provided very little heat, so they did not need AC, the fourth generation of computers developed high level languages ​​like C, C++.

This generation of computers used V.L.S.I (Very Large Scale Integrated) technology, so it was also known as Micro Processor.

The fourth phase of the computer generation was the first personal computer (PC) marketed by IBM.

Characteristics of fourth generation computers

  1. Their size was very small due to the use of small circuits. This generation of computers almost came into the category of portable computers. Desk top computers, notebook computers, etc. are examples of this generation of computers.
  2. The processing speed of this generation of computers was much faster than the previous three generations. These computers operated in microseconds (10 – 0 seconds) and nanoseconds (10° seconds).
  3. Due to its high heat tolerance, it was able to function without air conditioning.
  4. These computers were also widely used because of their low cost.
  5. Its light weight made it easy to move from place to place.

Languages ​​used in fourth generation computers – C, C++, word processing and 4GL(SQL) etc.

Examples of Fourth Generation Computers – Machines – DEC-10, STAR-1000, PRP-II, APPLE-II, IBM-4341

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Fifth Generation Computers (1984 – Present)

The difference between the fourth generation and the fifth generation is very little. However, this generation of computers is very fast. Compared to the fourth generation, the processor, memory, data storage, etc. are much improved. Scientists are constantly trying to improve fifth generation computers. According to their idea, knowledge information will be used in the fifth generation computer in the future, as a result of which the fifth generation computer will have its own intelligence (AI i.e. Artificial Intelligence). So this generation computer will be able to make the right decision by itself.

Characteristics of fifth generation computers

  1. VLSIC and ULSIC technology are used in these computers.
  2. Artificial intelligence (AI) is present in these computers, due to which they have the ability to make decisions.
  3. Computers of this generation are able to compare two or three objects and select the object mentioned above.
  4. The processing power of this generation of computers is very high. These computers perform billions of calculations a second. Their speed is measured in picoseconds (10 – 12 seconds).
  5. This generation of computers mainly includes Super computers (params) made in India.

 

FAQ:-

In which year was the first generation computer invented?

In 1940, the first generation computer was invented.

 

Examples of first generation computers

Examples of First Generation Computers – Machines -ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC, UNIVAC-I, MARK-I (Vacuum tube Used)

 

Examples of second generation computers?

The second generation computers are – machines IBM-1401, PDP-I, IBM-7000, IBM-1620, NCR-304 etc. (Transistor Used)

 

Examples of third generation computers?

Examples of third generation – machines IBM 360, IBM 370, ICL 2900, PDP II, CDC 1700 etc. (IC-Integrated Chief Used)

 

Examples of fourth generation computers?

Example machines of fourth generation computers – DEC-10, STAR-1000, PRP-II, APPLE-II, IBM-4341 (Micro Processor Used)

 

What generation of computers today?

Today's computers are fifth generation. (AI- Artificial Intelligence Used)

 

Final Word from Edutech365.com

Friends for reading the post completely, I hope now you are well aware about the different generations of computers and their features. We can learn from the history of the generation of computers how the evolution of large computers to small and powerful computers. Finally to say that if you liked this post about computer generation then surely share with your friends on different social networks or WhatsApp, thanks.


Know More : What is Computer ? The Basic Knowledge about Computer

Know More : Computer Fundamental and basic questions of Computer

Know More: Play Computer GK Quiz and Get Achievement Certificate

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