Five Generations of Computer PDF

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THE FIVE GENERATIONS OF 1940-

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This first-generation computer was based on the vacuum tube technology invented by John Ambrose Fleming in 1904 and was used for calculations, storage, and control. The main components of the first generation computer were vacuum tubes and diode valves. Memory in these computers was provided by magnetic drums (were very slow in speed). Even though the results were not 100 percent accurate, punched and magnetic tapes were used for the computer’s input and output functions in order to display on prints.

Characteristics of the 1st Generation of Computer    

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For input and output tasks, punch cards and paper tape were used. Magnetic drums are used for storage. Very expensive and regular maintenance is required. Massive in size and weight, with a high energy consumption. The ENIAC and UNIVAC computers are examples of first-generation computing devices.

THE FIVE GENERATIONS OF 1956-

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In 1947, William Shockley designed the second generation of computers, replacing vacuum tubes with a more reliable component called a transistor to make computers. In the timeline of second-generation computers, the concepts of Central Processing Unit (CPU), multiprogramming operating systems, programming language, memory, and input and output units (I /O units) were also established.

Characteristics of the 2nd Generation of Computer   

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Data was stored on Magnetic Tape. Smaller size and weight, with lower power consumption than first-generation computers. Better speed which can compute data in microseconds, and less expensive than the first generation. Use of printers, storage devices, and operating systems, etc. Early versions of higher-level languages such as COBOL and FROTRAN were also being developed at this time.

THE FIVE GENERATIONS OF 1964-

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The third generation were based on Integrated Circuits or IC (invented by Jack Kilby from 1958 to 1964). An IC (integrated circuit) is made up of numerous tiny transistors installed on chips known as semiconductors.

When scientists merged hundreds of transistors fit in this circuit, the result was a more powerful electronic component called an integrated circuit, which formed a key foundation for third generation computers. This is the era in which the first DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) minicomputers were invented.

Characteristics of the 3rd Generation of Computer 

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The computers were also small in size due to the smaller size of the IC compared to the circuit size of the transistors. Cheap production cost, faster, reliable, energy efficient and very light compared to 2nd generation computers. The first computer mouse and keyboard were introduced and widely utilized in the third generation of computers. New versions of high-level languages such as BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN PASCAL, ALGOL. It was made available to a large number of people and was suitable for general use.

THE FIVE GENERATIONS OF 1971As thousands of integrated circuits equivalent to millions of transistors were assembled and brought the entire central processing unit and other fundamental elements of the machine into a small chip called a microprocessor fitted on the Motherboard, the microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers.

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The world’s most popular companies like Intel and AMD have emerged. Also, companies like Microsoft and Apple have introduced their operating systems "Windows" and "Macintosh" to this generation of computers. This is the era in which personal computers were invented, an idea that still exists today.

Characteristics of the 4th Generation of Computer  

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Fourth generation computers were compact, lightweight, and nearly portable. In this computer generation, the processing speed was quicker and more dependable than the previous generations. Power supply units have decreased in size and cost. Use of languages like C, C ++, .Net, Java, PHP, Python, Visual Basic. Accessible through internet. Graphics User Interface (GUI) technology was used to provide more convenience to users.

THE FIVE GENERATIONS OF 2010-At Present

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Artificial intelligence is the name of the fifth as well as the latest generation of computers based on ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology is the process of integrating or embedding millions of transistors on a single silicon microchip. Some computers are being intended to do all the work themselves as a human act, behave, and communicate. The best example is in the 5th generation "Sophia" a robot computer an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based computing machine.

Characteristics of the 5th Generation of Computer   

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The main focus on AI-based computing devices. The processing speed is quite high can perform billions of calculations in a second. Computers works faster and are more reliable, portable, cheap, and fast, and available in different sizes and unique features like a Desktop, Laptop, Smartphone, Smartwatches, and so on. This generation has evolved multimedia by integrating sound, graphics, or images, and text.

References:

Kumar, K. (n.d.). Generations of Computer 1st to 5th Explained with Pictures. Digital World 839. https://digitalworld839.com/generations-of-computer-first-to-fifth...