COMPUTER GENERATIONS

Generation in computer terminology refers to a change in technology a computer

is/was being used.
Initially, the generation term was used to distinguish between varying
hardware technologies. But nowadays, generation includes both hardware and
software, which together make up an entire computer system.
Following are the main five generations of computers:
S/NO GENERATION PERIOD TECHNOLOGY
1 First generation 1945-1955 Vacuum tube
2 Second 1956-1963 Transistor based.
Generation
3 Third Generation 1964-1971 Integrated Circuit
4 Fourth 1971-1980 VLSI microprocessor
Generation
5 Fifth Generation 1980- ULSI microprocessor based ( Artificial
onwards intelligence)

FIRST GENERATION
First generation of computers started with using vacuum tubes as the basic
components for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central Processing Unit).
In this generation, mainly batch processing operating systems were used.
Also, Punched cards, Paper tape, Magnetic tape Input & Output devices were
used.
These generation of computers were coded in machine language.
FEATURES OF THE 1st GENERATION OF COMPUTER
The main features of First Generation computers are:
1. They used Vacuum tube technology,
2. They were very costly and unreliable
3. Generate lots of heat
 4. Huge in size
5. Non-portable
6. Consumed lot of electricity
7. Slow input and output devices
8. Used machine language (binary codes)
Examples of computers in this generation were:
1. ENIAC - Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer
2. EDVAC - Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
3. UNIVAC - UNIVersal Automatic Computer
4. IBM-701
5. IBM-650

Vacuum tubes
 SECOND GENERATION
The invention of transistors marked the beginning of this second
generation. The transistors were cheaper, and took the place of vacuum tubes of
the first generation of computers. In this generation, the memory of the
computer became larger as magnetic tape and magnetic disks as storage devices.
In this generation, assembly language and high-level programming
language like FORTRAN, COBOL were used.
They used Batch processing and Multiprogramming Operating system

Transistors
 FEATURES OF THE 2nd GENERATION OF COMPUTER
The main features of Second Generation are:
1. Use of transistors
2. Reliable as compared to First generation computers
3. Smaller size as compared to First generation computers
4. Generate less heat as compared to First generation computers
5. Consumed less electricity as compared to First generation computers
6. Faster than first generation computers
7. Still very costly
8. Support assembly and high level languages
Examples of computers in this generation were:
1. IBM 1620
2. IBM 7094
3. CDC 1604
4. CDC 3600
5. 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. The IC was invented by Jack Kilby in 1958.
This development made computers smaller in size, reliable and affordable by
individuals.
This generation of computers used High-level language (FORTRAN-II TO IV,
COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68, etc.)
FEATURES OF THE 3rd GENERATION OF COMPUTER
The main features of Third Generation are:
1. IC used
2. More reliable
3. Smaller size
4. Generate less heat
5. Faster
6. Lesser maintenance
7. Consumed lesser electricity
8. Support high-level language
Examples of computers in this generation were:
1. IBM-360 series
2. Honeywell-200 series
3. PDP(Personal Data Processor)
4. IBM-370
5. UNIVAC 1100
 FOURTH GENERATION
The fourth generation of computers is marked by the use of Very Large
Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. VLSI circuits is a microprocessor technology
consisting of about 5000 transistors and other circuit elements on a single chip
which made it possible to have microcomputers in the fourth generation.
This generation of computers were also equipped with ROM (READ ONLY
MEMORY), which stores programs that cannot be changed.
Fourth Generation computers became more powerful, compact, reliable,
and affordable. As a result, it gave rise to personal computer (PC) revolution.
The main features of Fourth Generation are:
1. VLSI microprocessor technology used
2. Very cheap
3. Portable and reliable
4. Introduction of Personal Computers
5. They generate less amount of heat
6. Very small size
7. The internet was introduced
8. Development of computer networks
9. Computers became easily available
10.They used high level languages.
Examples of computers in this generation were:
1. IBM 5100PC
2. INTEL 8080, 80286,80386, 80486
3. Pentium I, II, III, IV.
 FIFTH GENERATION
In the fifth generation, the VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale
Integrated) microprocessors technology.
This generation is based on multi-processing hardware and AI (Artificial
Intelligence) software.
Artificial Intelligence is an emerging branch in computer science whereby
computers think like human beings. This method is referred to as KNOWLEDGE
INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM.
All the higher level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net, etc., are used in this
generation
The main features of Fifth Generation are:
1. ULSI microprocessors technology
2. Development of artificial intelligence
3. Advancement in information Processing
4. Advancement in computer technology
5. More user friendly interfaces with multimedia features
6. Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates
Examples of computers in this generation are:
1. Desktop
2. Laptop
3. NoteBook
4. UltraBook
5. ChromeBook