Computer generation

There aretotally five computer generations known till date. Each generation has been discussed in detail along with their time period, characteristics. We've used approximate dates against each generations which are normally accepted.

First Generation:

The period of first generation was 1946-1959.

First generation of computers started with using vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central Processing Unit). These tubes like electric bulbs produced a lot of heat and were prone to frequent fusing of the installations, therefore, were very expensive and could be afforded only by very large organisations.

Some computers of this generation were:
 ENIAC
 EDVAC
 UNIVAC
 IBM-701
 IBM-650

Second Generation:

The period of second generation was 1959-1965.
 This generation using the transistor were cheaper, consumed less power, more compact in size, more reliable and faster than the first generation machines made of vacuum tubes. In this generation, magnetic cores were used as primary memory and magnetic tape and magnetic disks as secondary storage devices.

In this generation, assembly language and high-level programming language like FORTRAN, COBOL were used.

There were Batch processing and Multiprogramming Operating system used.
 Some computers of this generation were:
 IBM 1620
 IBM 7094
 CDC 1604
 CDC 3600
 UNIVAC 1108


Third Generation:

The period of third generation was 1965-1971.

The third generation of computer is marked by the use of Integrated Circuits (IC's) in place of transistors. A single IC has many transistors, resistors and capacitors along with the associated circuitry. The IC was invented by Jack Kilby. This development made computers smaller in size, reliable and efficient.
In this generation, Remote processing, Time-sharing, Real-time, Multi-programming Operating System were used.

High-level language (FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68, etc.) were used during this generation.

The main features of Third Generation are:
IC used
More reliable
Smaller size
Generate less heat
Faster
Lesser maintenance
Still costly
A.C. needed
Consumed lesser electricity
Support high-level language

Some computers of this generation were:
IBM-360 series
Honeywell-6000 series
PDP(Personal Data Processor)
IBM-370/168
TDC-316


Fourth Generation

The period of Fourth Generation was 1971-1980.

The fourth generation of computers is marked by the use of Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. 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. Fourth Generation computers became more powerful, compact, reliable, and affordable.

 As a result.
In this generation, Time sharing, Real time, Networks, Distributed Operating System were used.
All the higher level languages like C and C++, DBASE, etc., were used in this generation.

Fifth 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 methods of making computers think like human beings.
All the higher level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net, etc., are used in this generation.
AI includes:
Robotics
Neural networks
Game Playing
Development of expert systems to make decisions in real life situations.

Some computers types of this generation are:

Desktop
Laptop
NoteBook
UltraBook