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Generation of computers

The word generation is usually associated with the stage of computer development with a particular sort of technological innovation. Each innovation makes available certain techniques which were not available in the past. Computers were thus classified based on generations.
1. FIRST GENERATION (1946 - 1959)
known as  VACUUM TUBE generation
The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. They were large in size, occupied a lot of space and produced enormous heat.They were very expensive to operate and consumed large amount of electricity. Sometimes the heat generated caused the computer to malfunction. First generation computers operated only
on machine language. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts. First generation computers could solve only one problem at a time.
The Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC) and the Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator (ENIAC) are classic examples of first-generation computing devices.
The main features of first generation are: 
a. Vacuum tube technology 
b. Unreliable 
c. Supported machine language only 
d. Very costly 
e. Generated lot of heat
f. Slow input and output devices 
g. Huge size 
h. Need of A.C. 
i. Non-portable 
j. Consumed lot of electricity 
Some computers of this generation were: 
- ENIAC 
- EDVAC 
2. SECOND GENERATION (1959 – 1964)
known as TRANSISTOR generation
The second generation of computers witnessed the vacuum tubes being replaced by transistors. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation counter parts. The transistors also generated considerable heat that sometimes caused the computer to 
malfunction. But it was a vast improvement over the vacuum tube. Second-generation computers used punched cards for input and printouts for output. Second-generation computers moved from the use of machine language to assembly languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. High-level programming languages were also being developed at this time,such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. The computers stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.The transistor
The main features of second generation are:
a. use of transistor
b. Reliable in comparison to first generation computers 
c. Smaller size as compared to first generation computers 
d. Generated less heat as compared to first generation computers 
e. Consumed less electricity as compared to first generation computers 
f. Faster than first generation computers 
g. Still very costly 
h. A.C. needed 
i. Supported machine and assembly languages 
Some computers of this generation were: 
- IBM 1620 
- IBM 7094 
- CDC 1604 
- CDC 3600 
- UNIVAC 1108 
3. THIRD GENERATION (1961 - 1971)
known as INTEGRATED CIRCUIT generation
The development of the integrated circuit left its mark in the third generation of 
computers. Transistors were made smaller in size and placed on silicon chips, which dramatically increased the speed and efficiency of computers. In this generation, keyboards and monitors were used instead of punched cards and printouts. The computers were interfaced with 
an operating system which allowed solving many problems at a time.
The main features of third generation are: 
a. Integrated Circuit are used 
b. More reliable in comparison to previous two generations 
c. Smaller size 
d. Generated less heat 
e. Faster 
f. Lesser maintenance 
g. Still costly 
h. A.C needed 
i. Consumed lesser electricity 
j. Supported high-level language 
Some computers of this generation were: 
- IBM-360 series 
- Honeywell-6000 series
- PDP(Personal Data Processor) 
- IBM-370/168 
- TDC-316 
4. FOURTH GENERATION (1971 - 1988)
known as MICROPROCESSOR generation
The microprocessor brought forth the fourth generation of computers, as 
thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet.
Microprocessor
The main features of fourth generation are: 
a. VLSI technology used 
b. Very cheap 
c. Portable and reliable 
d. Use of PC's 
e. Very small size 
f. Pipeline processing 
g. No A.C. needed 
h. Concept of internet was introduced 
i. Great developments in the fields of networks 
j. Computers became easily available
Some computers of this generation were: 
- DEC 10 
- STAR 1000 
- PDP 11 
- CRAY-1(Super Computer) 
- CRAY-X-MP (Super Computer) 
5. FIFTH GENERATION (1988 - Date)
known as ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE generation
Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in their developmental stage. Fifth generation computers will come close to bridging the gap between computing and thinking.In the fifth generation, the VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the production of microprocessor chips having ten 
million electronic components. This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI 
(Artificial Intelligence) software. AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which interprets means and method of making computers think like human beings. All the high-level languages 
like C and C++, Java, .Net etc. are used in this generation. 
AI includes: 
a. Robotics 
b. Neural networks 
c. Game Playing 
d. Development of expert systems to make decisions in real life situations. 
e. Natural language understanding and generation. 
Artificial Intelligence
The main features of fifth generation are: 
-ULSI technology 
- Development of true artificial intelligence 
- Development of Natural language processing 
- Advancement in Parallel Processing 
- Advancement in Superconductor technology 
- More user friendly interfaces with multimedia features 
- Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates 
Some computer types of this generation are: 
- Desktop 
- Laptop 
- NoteBook
- UltraBook
- ChromeBook
 

Thanks for reading.

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