Generations of computer

Generations of computer

Generation of computer refer to the development of computer in different phases.

Computer have been developed in five distinct phases:

First Generations(1944-1955)
These computers were very big and heavy with large number of internal circuits.they store small amount of information. ENIAC was the first electronic computer of first generation.


Some common characteristics:
Vaccum tubes were used.
Large in size and heavy in weight.
Slow speed of operation.
Limited computing facility.
Complex maintence system.



Second Generations(1956-1965)
These computer were faster,cheaper,smaller and less expensive.They had magnetic core and magnetic disk storage for memory.


Some common characteristics:
Transistors were used.
High speed and large memory availability.
Small size and less power consuming.
Low heat production.
High level programming languages were developed and used like FORTON,COBOL,ALGOL AND SNOBOL.



Third Generation(1966-1975)
This used ICs.ICs stands for small integrated circuit.These circuit were known as chips.These circuit consisted of transistors,registers and capacitors.These computer were smaller,faster and more reliable then earlier generations computers.


Some common characteristics:
Intergrated circuits were used.
Smaller in size,lesser weight,better performance and reliability.
High level programming languages were developed like FORTAN-IV,COBOL-68,BASIC AND LOGO
Higher speed of operations in nano seconds.
Online processing such as airline reservation system was used.



FOURTH GENEERATION(1976-1985)
This generation computer used very large scale interated circuits(VLSICs).These circuit are known as microprocessors.These computer are smallest,cheapest,fastest.These computer are the most powerful with massive storage capacity.


Some common characteristics:
Mioprocessors are used.
Smallest and cheapest in price.
Very fast in speed and accuracy.
Mini,portable and super computers came under this generation.




FIFTH GENERATION(1985 onwards)
The fifth generation computer are based an ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE(AI).These computers are still under development.Due to AI these computers will be intelligent to do work themselves.They will be intelligent to take decisions independently.

Some common characteristics:
Intelligent enough to do work themselves.
Self decision-making ability.
Able to understand uman language.