Generation Of Computer

Electronic computers developed in five distinct phases known as generations of computers. Generation includes both hardware and software, which together make up an entire computer system. Here approximate dates against each generation have been mentioned which are normally accepted.

1st Generation

The computers were used from 1949-55 is categories in first generation. All the computers of 1st generation were very big size, expensive and programming was very difficult. The first generation of computers started with Vacuum tubes for internal operation, Magnetic memory for primary memory, Punched cards for input and output & Low-level symbolic languages for programming. In this generation mainly batch processing operating system were used.





Ex -

  • ENIAC
  • EDVAC
  • UNIVAC
  • IBM-701
  • IBM-650

2nd Generation

The computers were used from 1956-64 is categories in second generation. In this generation, Transistors are used for internal operations, Magnetic cores used for primary memory and high level languages and assembly languages like FORTRAN, COBOL were used for programming. In 2nd generation first time introduced Magnetic tapes and Disks for secondary memory device which is used for sharing the data and information. The size of computer is reduced, increase memory capacity and input, output & processing speed is fast with generation. The computers used batch processing and multiprogramming operating system.





Ex -

  • IBM 1620
  • IBM 7094
  • CDC 1604
  • CDC 3600
  • UNIVAC 1108

3rd Generation

The computers were used from 1965-70 is categories in third generation. The computers of third generation had used integrated circuits on silicon chips for internal operation. Integrated circuits consisting of transistor, resistor and capacitors synthesized on a single chip. The IC was invented by Jack Kilby. This generation became increased of memory capacity, processing speed& smaller in size. In this generation remote processing, time-sharing, multi-programming operating system were used. High-level languages (FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68 etc.) were used for programming.





Ex -

  • IBM-360 Series
  • Honeywell-6000 series
  • PDP(Personal Data Processor)
  • IBM-370/168
  • Tdc-316

4th Generation

The computers are used from 1971 to 1980 is categories in fourth generation. In this generation large scale (Placed with several thousand transistors into a chip) and very large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits having about 5000 transistors and other circuit elements and their associated circuits on a single chip made it possible to have microcomputers of fourth generation. In this generation time sharing, real time, networks, distributed operating system were used. All the high-level languages like C,C++ etc., were used for programming. This generation computers became more powerful, compact, reliable. As a result, it gave rise to personal computer (PC) revolution.





Ex -

  • DEC 10
  • STAR 1000
  • PDP 11
  • CRAY-1 (Super computer)

5th Generation

The period of fifth generation is 1980-till date. In the fifth generation, the VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the production of microprocessor chips having ten million electronic components. This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which interprets means and method of making computers think like human beings. All the high-level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation.





Ex -

  • Desktop
  • Laptop
  • NoteBook
  • UltraBook
  • ChromeBook