Generations of Computer

Generations of computer are mainly divided according to the development of computer technology.
Each generation defines the major technological developments on which computer systems were/are
based.

Although the development of computer technology was started in around 1940, the evolution and
continuously evolving ever since.

S.N. Generations and Description

1 First Generation
The first generation of computer 1942-1954 Vacuum Based.

2 Second Generation
The period of second generation 1955-1964 Transistor Based.

3 Third Generation
The period of third generation 1965-1974 Integrated Circuit Based.

4 Fourth Generation
The period of fourth generation 1975-till now Based on VLSI microprocessor

5 Fifth Generation
The period of fifth generation still in progress based on ULSI microprocessor, Artificial
Intelligence
First Generation of Computer
The first generation computer used Vacuum Tubes as the main electronic part. For memory
devices Punch Cards and Paper Tapes were used. Magnetic drums are also used for storage. At
that time memory was very expensive. Electronic time per calculation ranged from
0.1millisecond to 1milliseconds. They uses two types of computer languages, Machine language
and Assembly language. A list of popular first generation computer ENIAC, UNIVAC, EDVAC,
and EDSAC.

Second Generation of Computer

The invention of Transistor lead to the start of the second generation of computers. Vacuum
tubes are replaced by Transistor. For data storage, magnetic tapes and magnetic disks were used
for programming purpose, besides machine and assembly languages, High level languages were
used like FOTRAN, COBOL, and BASIC.
Third Generation of computer
In this generation of computers Transistors are replaced by Integrated circuit (IC). Mini
computers were introduced in this generation. Multiprogramming facility was developed. Size,
Cost, Power requirement, and Heat generation decreased. High level languages were used in this
generation. Processing speed and storage capacity used of computer increased.

Fourth Generation of Computer

The fourth generation of computers started the invention of microprocessor. Software is user
friendly. Storage capacity is high size, cost, power requirement, heat generation decreased
compared to the previous generation. Problem-Oriented fourth generation languages (4GL) is
used to develop the program.
Fifth Generation of Computer