Chapter :1 Fundamentals of Computer Part - 4 . Five Generations of Computers..!

Chapter :1 

Fundamentals of Computer

Part - 4 . Five Generations of Computers..!

Learn Computer,

Learn Computer,

First Generation of Computers (1942-1955)

The beginning of commercial computer age is from UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer). The first generation computers were used during 1942-1955. They were based on vacuum tubes. Examples of first generation computers are ENIVAC and UNIVAC-1.

Advantages :

◆ Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available during those days.

◆ Vacuum tube technology made possible to make electronic digital computers.

◆ These computers could calculate data in millisecond.

Disadvantages : 

◆ The computers were very large in size.

◆ They consumed a large amount of energy.

◆ Non-portable.

◆ Limited commercial use.

◆ Very slow speed.

◆ Used machine language only.

◆  Used magnetic drums which provide very less data storage.

Second Generation Computers (1955-1964)

The Second generation computers used transistors. The size of the computers was decreased by replacing vacuum tubes with transistors. The examples of second generation computers are IBM 7094 series, IBM1400 series and CDC 164 etc.

Advantages :

◆ Smaller in size as compared to the first generation computers.

◆ Used less energy and were not heated.

◆ Better speed and could calculate data in microseconds

◆ Used faster peripherals like tape drives, magnetic disks, printer etc.

◆ Used Assembly language instead of Machine language.

Disadvantages :

◆ Cooling system was required

◆ Constant maintenance was required

◆  Only used for specific purposes

◆  Costly and not versatile

Third Generation Computers (1964-1975)

The Third generation computers used the integrated circuits (IC). The first IC was invented and used in 1961. 

The size of an IC is about ¼ square inch. A single IC chip may contain thousands of transistors. The computer became smaller in size, faster, more reliable and less expensive. The examples of third generation computers are IBM 370, IBM System/360, UNIVAC 1108 and UNIVAC AC 9000 etc.

An integrated circuit (IC), sometimes called a chip or microchip, is a semiconductor wafer on which thousands or millions of tiny resistors, capacitors, and transistors are fabricated.

Advantages :

◆  Smaller in size as compared to previous generations.

◆ More reliable.

◆ Used less energy.

◆ Better speed and could calculate data in nanoseconds.

Disadvantages :

◆ Air conditioning was required.

◆ Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips.

Fourth Generation Computers (1975-Present)

The fourth generation computers started with the invention of Microprocessor. The Microprocessor contains thousands of ICs. The LSI (Large Scale Integration) circuit and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) circuit was designed. It greatly reduced the size of computer. The size of modern Microprocessors is usually one square inch. It can contain millions of electronic circuits. The examples of fourth generation computers are Apple Macintosh & IBM PC.

Advantages :

◆ More powerful and reliable than previous generations.

◆ Small in size

◆ Fast processing power with less power consumption

◆ Fan for heat discharging and thus to keep cold.

◆ Cheapest among all generations

◆ All types of High level languages can be used in this type of computers

Disadvantages :

• The latest technology is required for manufacturing of Microprocessors.

Fifth Generation Computers (Present & Beyond)

Scientists are working hard on the 5th generation computers with quite a few breakthroughs. It is based on the technique of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Computers can understand spoken words & imitate human reasoning. IBM Watson computer is one example that outsmarts Harvard University Students.

Types of Computers

Computers can be classified according to the following types:

Based on Work

Analog

The analog computers are computer systems that measure variations in quantities such as temperature, voltage, speed, etc. Analog computers are known to measure the data that varies continuously. Other examples of analog computers include Voltmeter and Ammeter.

Digital

Digital computers are the computer systems that count things by manipulation of certain discontinuous numbers and letters through representation of binary digits (also called bits) in contrast to analog computers that measures the variations in quantities). In other words texts and graphics are treated numerically.Today the digital computers have replaced the analog ones .Examples of digital computers are desktop , personal computers, workstations,tablet PC etc

Hybrid

Hybrid computers as the name suggests are a good mix of analog as well as digital computers, using an analog computer front-end, which is then fed into a digital computer’s repetitive process. Hybrid computers are used for scientific calculations, in defence and systems.


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