Generations of Computers

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Generation of computers came into the mind, when humans were unable to perform some large calculations. So they created a calculating machine called as computers. As the needs of humans gone on increasing, there was development in the computer system.

First Generation (Mid 1940's )

• Computers were using Vacuum tubes (Valves) as an electronic component.
• Machine language was used.
• Input was given through punch cards, paper tapes and results in the form of printouts.
• Computers were as big as room in size.
• Cost was very high.

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Second Generation (1956)

• Vacuum tubes were replaced by the transistors.
• Size of transistors was much smaller than vacuum tubes.
• Assembly language was used.
• Consumed less power, faster and reliable.
• Size of computers were came down.
• Price of computers were also reduced.

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Third Generation (1964)

• Integrated Circuits(IC's) made up of small crystal of silicon semiconductor were used.
• Structured programming language C and COBOL was used.
• Speed and efficiency were increased.
• Inputs were given through keyboards and output through monitors.
• Size of computers, power consumption, heat generation and cost were decreased in greater extent.

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Fourth Generation (1971 and present)

• Microprocessor chip were used, made up of thousands of Integrated Circuits build on a single silicon chip.
• Object oriented programming language and domain specific language SQL for database access.
• High processing speed, high reliability and low power consumption.
• Size and cost of computers were cut down.

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Fifth Generation (Present and future)

• Computers those are dealing with Artificial Intelligence (AI), expert systems and robotics are in 5^th generation.
• These computers are still in development phase.
• Main goal is to respond to the natural language.
• Use of Quantum, Molecular and Nano technology is going to change the face of computers in coming years.

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