Generation of computer

Generation of computer

Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology a computer is/was being used. Initially, the generation term was used to distinguish between varying hardware technologies. Nowadays, generation includes both hardware and software, which together make up an entire computer system.

There are five computer generations known till date. Each generation has been discussed in detail along with their time period and characteristics. In the following table, approximate dates against each generation has been mentioned, which are normally accepted.

FIRST GENERATION

Introduction:
1946-1959 is the period of first generation computer.
J.P.Eckert and J.W.Mauchy invented the first successful electronic computer called ENIAC, ENIAC stands for “Electronic Numeric Integrated And Calculator”.
            Few Examples are:
            ENIAC
            EDVAC
            UNIVAC
            IBM-701
            IBM-650

Advantages:
It made use of vacuum tubes which are the only electronic component available during those days.
These computers could calculate in milliseconds.
Disadvantages:
These were very big in size, weight was about 30 tones.
These computers were based on vacuum tubes.
These computers were very costly.
Limited programming capabilities and punch cards were used to take inputs.
Large amount of energy consumption.
Not reliable and constant maintenance is required.

It could store only a small amount of information due to the presence of magnetic drums.
As the invention of first generation computers involves vacuum tubes, so another disadvantage of these computers was, vacuum tubes require a large cooling system.
Very less work efficiency.

SECOND GENERATION
Introduction:
1959-1965 is the period of second-generation computer.
3.Second generation computers were based on Transistor instead of vacuum tubes.
Few Examples are:
        Honeywell 400
        IBM 7094
        CDC 1604
        CDC 3600
        UNIVAC 1108
        … many more

Advantages:
*Due to the presence of transistors instead of vacuum tubes, the size of electron component decreased. This resulted in reducing the size of a computer as compared to first generation computers.

*Less energy and not produce as much heat as the first generation.

*Assembly language and punch cards were used for input.

*Low cost than first generation computers.

*Better speed, calculate data in microseconds.

*Better portability as compared to first generation

Disadvantages:
*A cooling system was required.

*Constant maintenance was required.

Only used for specific purposes.

THIRD GENERATION
Introduction:
1965-1971 is the period of third generation computer.
These computers were based on Integrated circuits.
IC was invented by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby In 1958-1959.
IC was a single component containing number of transistors.
        Few Examples are:
        PDP-8
        PDP-11
        ICL 2900
        IBM 360
        IBM 370
        … and many more

Advantages:
*These computers were cheaper as compared to second-generation computers.

*They were fast and reliable.

*Use of IC in the computer provides the small size of the computer.

*IC not only reduce the size of the computer but it also improves the performance of the *computer as compared to previous computers.

*They used an operating system for better resource management and used the concept of time-sharing and multiple programming.

*Instead of punch cards, mouse and keyboard are used for input.

*This generation of computers has big storage capacity.

Disadvantages:
*IC chips are difficult to maintain.

*The highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips.
Air conditioning is required.

4. FOURTH GENERATION
Introduction:
1971-1980 is the period of fourth generation computer.
This technology is based on Microprocessor.
A microprocessor is used in a computer for any logical and arithmetic function to be performed in any program.
Graphics User Interface (GUI) technology was exploited to offer more comfort to users.
        Few Examples are:
        IBM 4341
        DEC 10
        STAR 1000
        PUP 11
        … and many more

Advantages:
*Fastest in computation and size get reduced as compared to the previous generation of computer.
*Heat generated is negligible.

*Small in size as compared to previous generation computers.

*Less maintenance is required.

*All types of high-level language can be used in this type of computers.

Disadvantages:

*The Microprocessor design and fabrication are very complex.

*Air conditioning is required in many cases due to the presence of ICs.

*Advance technology is required to make the ICs.

5. FIFTH GENERATION
Introduction:
The period of the fifth generation in 1980-onwards.
This generation is based on artificial intelligence.
The aim of the fifth generation is to make a device which could respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.
This generation is based on ULSI(Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology resulting in the production of microprocessor chips having ten million electronic component.
        Few Examples are:
        Desktop
        Laptop
        NoteBook
        UltraBook
        Chromebook
        … and many more

Advantages:
*It is more reliable and works faster.

*It is available in different sizes and unique features.

*It provides computers with more user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features.

Disadvantages:
*They need very low-level languages.

*They may make the human brains dull and doomed.