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.
No comments:
Post a Comment