Generations of Computer, 1st to 5th and Their Applications

Computers have become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we work and live. But the journey of computing technology dates back centuries. From using primitive tools such as sticks, stones, and bones for their mathematical needs to the development of the Abacus. The true evolution of computers began around the 16th century. Over the years, computers have undergone significant change and evolution with enhancement in terms of speed, accuracy, size, and affordability. These advancements have led to the modern computers we rely on today. In this article, we have covered the generation of computers their types and characteristics.

Generations of Computer

As we all know what is a computer and it’s use, but are you aware of the generation of computer? The concept of “generations” in computing refers to the evolutionary stages of technology. Initially, it was used to categorize computers based on hardware differences, but today, it is about both hardware and software components that make up a computer system. Over centuries the modern computer has reached its present state. There are five generations of computers, each with its own distinctive features and characterstics.

1. First Generation Computers (1940-1956)
2. Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)
3. Third Generation Computers (1964-1971)
4. Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present)
5. Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Beyond)

First Generation Computers

The first generation of computers marked a significant milestone in technological history. These computers relied on vacuum tubes to regulate the flow of electricity within a vacuum. Vacuum tubes were commonly used in various devices like switches, amplifiers, radios, and televisions during that time. But they were massive and unwieldy, far from the compact machines we have today. Programming them was quite challenging as they lacked sophisticated operating systems. In fact, users had to deal with rudimentary programming methods. Another drawback was their substantial space and power requirements. First-generation often needed entire rooms for operation and consumed huge amount of electricity.

Some noteworthy examples of first-generation computers include:

1. ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer): This colossal machine, constructed by J. Presper Eckert and John V. Mauchly, incorporated a staggering 18,000 vacuum tubes.
2. EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer): Designed by Von Neumann, this computer represented a significant advancement in computing technology.
3. UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer): Developed by Eckert and Mauchly in 1952, UNIVAC was another remarkable creation of the first-generation computer era.
4. Characteristics of 1st Generation Computers
   These computers were designed using vacuum tubes.
5. Programming in these computers was done using machine languages.
6. The main memory of 1st Generation Computers consisted of magnetic tapes and magnetic drums.
7. Paper tapes and Punched cards were used as input/output devices in these computers.
8. These computers were very huge but worked very slowly.
9. Examples of 1st Generation Computers are IBM 650, IBM 701, ENIAC, UNIVAC1, etc.

Second Generation Computers

Second-generation computers were a big leap forward. They replaced the bulky vacuum tubes with smaller and more efficient transistors, which are like tiny switches. These transistors were invented at Bell Labs and made the computers faster and more powerful. One of the best things about transistors is that they don’t get as hot as vacuum tubes, so these new computers were smaller and easier to work with. In this generation, computers got their own “brain” called the Central Processing Unit (CPU), along with memory and other important parts. This set the stage for the computers we use today. Also, during this time, new programming languages like FORTRAN, ALGOL, and COBOL were developed, making it easier for people to tell the computer what to do.

Characteristics of Second-Generation Computers

1. The Second Generation computers used the technology of Transistors.
2. Machine language and Assembly Languages were used for these computers.
3. Magnetic core and magnetic tape/disk were used for memory storage.
4. The Second Generation Computers were smaller in size, consumed less power, and generated less heat.
5. Magnetic tape and punched cards were used as input/output devices.
6. Some of the examples are PDP-8, IBM1400 series, IBM 7090 and 7094, UNIVAC 1107, CDC 3600, etc.

Third Generation Computers

The Third Generation Computers marked a significant advancement by moving from transistors to integrated circuits, often called ICs. These computers were known for their speed and reliability. Instead of individual transistors, they used silicon chips, which were tiny slices of silicon containing numerous transistors, registers, and capacitors. This innovation greatly boosted memory capacity and overall efficiency. Additionally, this era saw the introduction of higher-level programming languages like BASIC, making it easier for people to interact with computers. Minicomputers also made their debut during this period.

Characteristics of Third-Generation Computers

• These computers were built using Integrated Circuits (ICs).
• High-level programming languages were used for programming on these computers.
• Large magnetic core and magnetic tape/disk were used for memory storage.
• Magnetic tape, monitor, keyboard, printer, etc were used as input/output devices.
• Some of the examples of Third Generation Computers are IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, NCR 395, B6500, UNIVAC 1108, etc.

Fourth Generation Computers

From 1972 to 2010, computers got a lot smaller and easier to carry around. This happened because of a special technology called microprocessors, which are tiny chips that can do all the important tasks inside a computer. During this time, computers became faster and could do many things at the same time, like running multiple programs. They also got better at managing memory and sharing their time between different tasks. One big change was that personal computers became popular, and people started connecting them together to form networks. This made it easier for everyone to use computers in their daily lives.

Characteristics of Fourth-Generation Computers

1. The Fourth Generation Computers have been developed using the technology of Very-large-scale integration (VLSI) and the microprocessor (VLSI has thousands of transistors on a single microchip).
2. Semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, etc was used for memory storage.
3. Input/output devices such as pointing devices, optical scanning, keyboard, monitor, printer, etc were introduced.
4. Some examples of Fourth Generation Computers are IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple Macintosh, Alter 8800.

Fifth Generation Computers

The Fifth Generation of Computers uses something called Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make them act more like humans. You can see AI in things like voice recognition and entertainment. These computers are super fast and really tiny. Over the years, computers have gotten much better in terms of speed, accuracy, and size.

Characteristics of Fifth-Generation Computers

1. 5th Generation Computers use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ultra Large-Scale Integration (ULSI) technology.
2. They employ parallel processing, where multiple microprocessors work together.
3. These computers can understand human language.
4. They are small and portable.
5. Input/Output devices include trackpad, touchscreen, pen, speech recognition, light scanner, printer, keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
6. Examples include desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

History of Computer Generation

The history of computers is a tale of innovation and progress that has transformed the world. It begins with the massive, room-sized machines of the 1940s, like the ENIAC, which used vacuum tubes. Toady the world runs of computers with all the tasks of life linked to computers and utility they provide in life. Here we have mentioned few well known protype of computers that have marked the evolutionary stages of computers.