The document summarizes the five generations of computers from the 1940s to present. The first generation used vacuum tubes, were large and expensive. The second generation used transistors, making computers smaller and cheaper. The third generation used integrated circuits, allowing computers to run multiple applications at once. The fourth generation used microprocessors on a single chip and introduced concepts like networking. The fifth generation uses ultra-large scale integration, enabling high performance, low cost and portable computers with large storage capacities. Overall, each generation saw improvements in size, cost and capabilities.
2. Introduction
Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology
With each new generation, the circuitry has gotten smaller and more
advanced than the previous generation
4. First Generation Computers
(1940-1956)
The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory.
They were often enormous and taking up entire room.
They were very expensive to operate
Generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.
5. First Generation Computer
The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generation
computing devices
6. Second generation computers
(1956-1963)
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes
The transistor made computers smaller, less expensive and increased
calculating speeds.
Consumed less electricity as compared to first generation computers
High-level programming languages were also being developed at this time
Second generation computers also saw a new way data was stored
Some computers of this generation were −IBM 1620,IBM 7094,CDC 1604
8. Third generation computers
(1963-1971)
Transistors were replaced by integrated circuits(IC)
One IC could replace hundreds of transistors
This made computers even smaller and faster.
Allowed the device to run many different applications at one time.
Some computers of this generation were −IBM-360 series, PDP (Personal
Data Processor),IBM-370/168,TDC-316
10. Fourth Generation Computer
(1971-1980)
The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers
thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip
VLSI technology used
Concept of internet was introduced
Great developments in the fields of networks
Some computers of this generation were −DEC 10, STAR 1000,PDP
11,CRAY-1(Super Computer),CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)
12. Fifth generation computers
(1980-present)
VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology
High performance, lower cost and very compact.
Computers based on artificial intelligence are available.
Portable note book computers introduced .
Memory chips up to 1 GB, hard disk drives up to 180 GB and optical disks
up to 27 GB are available
New brands and models would come out the market almost every other
month.
14. Conclusion
Computers became more affordable
Computers can now be found in homes, schools, offices etc.
There has been a tremendous improvement in software technology
Computer subjects are now being offered not just to college students but
even to high school and elementary.
Computers are now used as an aid in teaching math, science etc.