Describe the different generations of computers.

Briefly describe the different generations of computers

The history of computer evolution can be divided into several stages. Each step is called a generation of the computer. There is some disagreement about the computer's population structure. Below is a brief discussion about the various generations.

First Generation (1937-58): The period from 1937 to 1958 is called the first generation. In 1946, two professors at the University of Pennsylvania created a computer named ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator). EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer) was invented in 1949. In 1951, Remington Rand created a company name computer. A vacuum tube is used in this computer. The UNIVAC-I is considered to be the first commercially produced digital computer.

Characteristics of first-generation computers:

(i) large in size and volume,

(ii) relatively slow processing capacity,

(iii) Use of magnetic drum in the electronic circuit as memory,

(iv) Use of vacuum tubes,

(v) Use of punch cards and magnetic tape for input and output,

(vi) Limited storage capacity and high maintenance cost, (vii) Use of programming code through machine language. Example: ENIAC EDSAC BINAC UNIVAC- 1. IBM-650 etc.

Second Generation (1958-1962): The period from 1958 to 1962 is called the second generation of computers. Use of Imitation Circuit ((ICC)), temperature control, reduction of computer size and reliability, etc. The major change and advancement of the second generation computer was the use of transistors instead of vacuum tubes. In 1960, the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) generation method was invented. During this time, hardware, as well as software, developed greatly. Algol is a high level language. COBOL (COBOL), Fortran (For Tran) language is created.

Features of second-generation computers:

(i) Use of transistor integrated circuits,

(ii) Shrinkage of computer shape and size,

(iii) use of any magnetic memory and use of magnetic disks,

(iv) Emergence and use of higher programming languages,

(v) speed improvement,

(vi) Development of input and output devices. Example: IBM-1401. CDC-1604. IBB-1620 etc.

Third Generation  (1903-1972): The period from 1983 to 1972 is called the Third Age of Computers. In 1964, SSI circuits and MSI circuits were used in computers. In this class of computers, Video Display Visit crystal is used as an output device and semiconductor memory is used. It is marketed for general use with a small size and relatively low price. It introduced the advanced language BASIC (Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code).

Features of third generation computer:

(i) Introduction of Integrated Circuit (IC),

(ii) Origin and use of semiconductor memories,

(iii) Computer shape compression,

(iv) Great increase in processing speed,

(v) Prevalence of minicomputers,

(vi) Higher language development,

(vii) Introduction of output devices like video display units, line printers, etc.,

(viii) Use of mouse. Example: IBM-370, PDP-8 PDP-II, etc.

Fourth Generation (1973 - Ongoing): The fourth generation is believed to have started from 1973. Computers of this generation are made with LSI and VLSI microprocessors Semiconductor Memory. It was in this generation that the UNIX operating system was invented by two computer scientists at Bell Laboratories. In this generation ROM, PROM. EPROM was invented. The use of both Windows and DOS operating systems started in this generation. In 1981, IBM company began to commercially produce the first microcomputer for business purposes, and the speed of the microprocessor was increased.

Features of fourth-generation computers:

(i) Origin and use of a microprocessor,

(ii) Great improvement in data retention capacity,

(iii) use of different operating systems,

(iv) use of the Application Program,

(v) use of package software,

(vi) widespread use of microcomputers,

(vii) Start of research on parallel processing.

Fifth and future generations: Parallel processing research and applications are rapidly advancing. The fifth generation has improved its performance by adding hundreds of processors. Widespread use of networks has increased and so has the prevalence of single-user workstations. According to experts, this generation of computers will have extensive artificial intelligence and will be able to work by converting human language into computer language. SVLSI (Super Very Large Scale Integration) chips and optical fibers will be widely used in this generation of computers. This generation of computers will be “Knowledge Information Processing Systems” or “Expert Systems”.

Characteristics of fifth and future generation computers:

(i) Use of parallel processors,

(ii) use in various programs based on open source,

(iii) Ability to judge and analyze,

(iv) Use of Neural and Genetic Algorithms,

(v) artificial intelligence,

(vi) Use of optical fibers,

(vii) improvement of programming languages,

(viii) Massive improvement in memory and data storage capacity,

(ix) Massive development of supercomputers.