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Computers generation
Generation includes both hardware and software which together make up entire computers system. Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology used for manufacturing computers. There are totally five generations of computers each generation describe along with their time period and characteristics
First-generation(1946-1959): first generation computers used vacuum tubes as a main component these generations computers were very large size and hence require special housing. ENIAC, MARK I and EDVAC are examples of first generations computers.
Characteristics of first-generation computers
• They are huge in size
• They use vacuum tube as main component
• They use binary language (machine language)
• Their operating speed was millisecond.
Disadvantages of first generations computers
• Bulk In size so not portable
• Very unreliable
• Thousands of vacuum tube ware used so it produces large amount of heat
Second Generations(1956-1965): In second generations
Characteristics of Second-generation computers
• They used transistor in place of vacuum tube
• Speed of processing was increased.
• They use Assembly language for programming.
They used magnetic disk as secondary memory.
Disadvantages of Second generations computers
• Bulk In size so not portable
• Very unreliable
They require frequent mentenance.
They use punch card for input.
Third Generations (1965-1971): this generation computers use IC Chips as a main component. Computers further reduced in size then second generations. Examples of third generations computers are IBM 360, ICL 1901 etc. Third generation computer used high level language.
Characteristics of third-generation computers
• They used IC (integrated circuit) as main component• They support high-level language
• The Operating speed was increased up to nanosecond.
• Commercial production was easier and cheaper.
• General purpose computer
Disadvantage of third generations computers
• Air conditioning is required in many cases• Highly sophisticated technology is required for the manufacturing of IC chips.
Fourth Generations(1971-present):
Characteristics of fourth generation computers
• They are huge in size
• They use vacuum tube as main component
• They use binary language (machine language)
• Their operating speed was millisecond.
Disadvantage of fourth generations computers
• Bulk In size so not portable
• Very unreliable
• Thousands of vacuum tube ware used so it produces large amount of heat
Fifth Generations
Characteristics of fifth generation computers
• Bio chip will be used as main component
•They will have artificial intelligence (AI)
• They Will provide natural Computing Interface.
• They support natural language processing.
They will use multiplarrell processor.