Generation of computers

Generation in computer language is a steps evolved in technology. It provides a structure for the development of computer industry. This was used to differentiate between various hardware technologies and software technologies in the development of computer that is due to the technological advancement or different changes have come in the computer system.

There are totally 5 computer generations. The following segment discusses the main characteristics of each generation one by one.

First generation (1942-1955) - vacuum tubes

The characteristics of first generation computers are:-

1. This generation computers used vacuum tubes ashtmi electronic component responsible for processing of data

2. These computers were physically large in size and required large room for installation.

3. Magnetic drums were used for memory.

4. These computers produce large amount of heat due to large consumption of electricity. Therefore, these computers required continuous maintenance and proper cooling with the help of large air conditioners.

5. They were relatively unreliable as they could produce inaccurate results sometimes. 

6. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape.

7. They perform slow input output operations.

8. Limited programming capabilities. Only machine and assembly languages were used.

9. These computers had limited commercial use.

10. The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first generation computing devices.

Second generation (1955-1964) - transistors

Characteristics of second generation computers were:-

1. These computers used transistors in place of vacuum tubes.

2. They were much smaller in size and requires less space for installation.

3. Magnetic tapes for used as secondary storage. 

4. They consumed lesser power and therefore lesser amount of heat was generated as compared to first generation computers, but still air conditioning was required.

5. They were highly reliable and less prone to hardware failures as compared to first generation computers.

6. They were about 10 times faster than the first generation computers.

7. High level languages were used to extract computers for performing various tasks.

8. These computers were more versatile than first generation computers.

9. Hide input/output operations speed than first generation computers.

10. The commercial production of second generation computers was limited and costly.

3rd generation (1964 to 1975) - integrated circuit

The characteristics of third generation computers were:-

1. Integrated circuits for used instead of vacuum tubes and transistors.

2. The size of these computers was smaller than the earlier computers.

3. Magnetic disk used for external storage in storage space available in this computer's was much more than earlier computers.

4. They consume less power than second generation computers but still air conditioning was required.

5. They were more reliable and less prone to errors than earlier computers.

6. They had high processing speed and second generation computers.

7. Monitors and keyboards for used for input and output.

8. Development of standardized high level languages like PASCAL, BASIC etc.

9. Maintenance cost of these computers was very less as compared to earlier computers. 

10. Dewas general purpose machines suitable for both scientific and commercial applications.

4th generation (1975 to 1989) - microprocessors

The characteristics of 4th generation computers were:-

1. High speed microprocessors were used. Millions of electronic components were integrated on a single microprocessor chip.

2. Give a much smaller and cheaper than third generation computers.

3. Consume less power than third generation computers.

4. They were more reliable and less prone to hardware failures 10 third generation computers and therefore their maintenance cost is negligible.

5. They had faster and largest primary and secondary storage as compared to third generation computers.

6. Graphical user interface (GUI) enabled new users to quickly learn how to use computers.

7. Use of standard high level languages allow program to be transferred from one computer to another.

8. Supports more input and output devices or other terminals than previous generation computers.

9. Network of computers enable sharing of resources like discs, printers etc. Among multiple computers and users.

10. David general purpose machines which were used in application development.

5th generation (1989 to present) - artificial intelligence

The characteristics of fifth generation computers are:-

1. Fifth generation computers based on artificial intelligence are still in development. Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science concern with making computers behave like humans.

2. Portable computers called notebook computers are much smaller and handy than 4th generation computers.

3. Fifth generation computers are several times more powerful than fourth generation computers.

4. We consume less power than earlier computers.

5. They are much more reliable and less prone to hardware free less than previous generation computers.

6. They have faster and larger primary and secondary storage as compared to previous generation computers.

7. More user friendly interfaces with multimedia features make the systems easier to learn and use that anyone including children.

8. The main objective of 5th generation computer is two devices that respond to natural language input as a human languages like English, Hindi, French etc. and are  capable of learning.