Generations of Computer

GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER

Different generations of computer are recorded. The history of computer is often referred to I n reference to the different generation of computing devices. Each computer generation is distinguished by major technological development that fundamentally change the way computer operates, resulting in increasing smaller, cheaper, and more powerful and more efficient and reliable devices. We shall now take a look at the different generations one after the other.

First Generation -1940-1956: Vaccum Tubes

The first computer used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic scrums 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, generated a lot of heat, which was  often the cause of malfunctions.  First Generation Computers relied on machine language to perform operations and they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and outputs were displayed on printouts.

        The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first generation computers. The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer delivered to business client, the U.S. census bureau in 1951.

SECOND GENERATION 1956-1963: (TRANSISTORS)

Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and brought I n the second generation of computers. The transistors was invented in 1947 btu did not see widespread use in computers until the late 40s. the transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, and more energy efficient and more reliable than their first-Generation predecessors. Though the transistor still generates a great deal of heat that subjected the computer to damage, it was vast improvement over the vacuum tube. Second Generation Computers till relied on punched cards for inputs and printouts for output. Second generation computers moved from critical binary machine language to symbolic or assembly languages which allow programmers to specify instructions in words. High level programming languages were also been developed at this time, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. These were also the  first computers that store their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.

Te first computers of this generation were developed for the atomic energy industry.

THIRD GENERATION 1964-1971 (INTERGRATED CIRCUITS)

The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generations of computer 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 interact with third generation  computers through keyboard and monitors and interfaced wit an operating system, which allow the device to run many 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 into 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 computers – from the central processing unit and into many memories to input/output controls – on a single chip.

        As the small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks, which eventually led to te development of internet. Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUIs (Graphic User Interface), the mouse and the handheld devices.

FIFTH GENERATION – PRESENT AND BEYOND ARTHIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there are some applications such as voice recognition, tat are being used today. The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality. Quantum computation and molecular and nanotechnology will radically change the face of computers in years to come. The goal of fifth generation of computing is to develop devices that respond to natural languages input and are capable of learning and self – organization.