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Explain Generation of Computer in Detail
Explain Generation of Computer in Detail
The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes and were large, expensive, and
unreliable. Second-generation computers used transistors and were smaller, faster, and more
reliable.
Third-generation computers used integrated circuits, which made them even smaller and
faster. Fourth-generation computers used microprocessors, which allowed for personal
computers to be developed.
Overall, each generation of computers has built upon the previous one, resulting in the fast,
reliable, and advanced computers we use today.
The first generation of computers spanned from the years 1940 to 1956. These computers
were characterized by the use of vacuum tubes, which were large and prone to overheating.
They were also very expensive and required specialized knowledge to operate.
One example of a first-generation computer is the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer). It was built in 1945 and was used by the US Army to calculate artillery firing
tables. The ENIAC was massive, weighing over 27 tons and occupying a space of 1800 square
feet. It used over 17,000 vacuum tubes and consumed over 150 kilowatts of electricity. It
could perform calculations at a speed of about 5,000 additions per second, which was a
significant improvement over earlier computing devices.
Overall, the first generation of computers was characterized by their use of vacuum tubes,
large size, high cost, and limited capabilities. However, they laid the foundation for future
advancements in computing technology.
One example of a second-generation computer is the IBM 1401, which was introduced in
1959 and became one of the most popular computers of its time. The IBM 1401 had a
processing speed of about 1.5 million instructions per second and could handle up to 16,000
characters of memory. It was used for a wide range of business applications, such as
accounting, payroll, and inventory management.
Another example is the DEC PDP-8 which was introduced in 1965. It was a small computer
that was affordable and easy to use. It was widely used in scientific, educational, and
industrial applications.
The fourth generation of computers, also known as microcomputers, spanned the time period
from 1971 to 1984. These computers were characterized by the use of microprocessors, which
were much smaller and more powerful than the previous generation's mainframe computers.
One example of a fourth generation computer is the Apple II, which was introduced in 1977. It
was one of the first microcomputers to become widely popular and was used for both
personal and business applications. The Apple II used a microprocessor called the MOS
Technology 6502, which allowed for faster processing speeds and more efficient use of
memory.
Another example of a fourth generation computer is the IBM PC, which was introduced in
1981. It was the first computer to use the now-ubiquitous x86 architecture, which allowed for
compatibility with a wide range of software and hardware. The IBM PC was instrumental in
the development of the personal computer industry and paved the way for future
generations of computers.
The fifth generation of computers is characterized by the use of artificial intelligence, natural
language processing, and advanced parallel processing capabilities. These computers are
designed to be more intuitive and interactive, allowing them to understand and respond to
human commands and queries. They are also intended to be more reliable and secure than
previous generations.
One example of a fifth generation computer is IBM's Watson. Watson is a cognitive computing
system that can understand natural language and answer questions posed to it, much like a
human being. It has been used for a variety of applications, including healthcare, finance, and
education. Watson uses machine learning algorithms to continuously improve its
performance and accuracy, making it one of the most advanced examples of a fifth
generation computer in use today.