Generation of Computer

Generation of Computer

Generation of computer is the classification of the computer into different groups according to their manufacturing date, memory device, other hardware and software technology use inside those computer. It is the step in advancing technology. It provides the framework for the growth and development of the more powerful and useful computer system.

The characteristics of each generation of computer are as follows: -

Ø First Generation Computer (1941-1955 A.D.)

·         Vacuum tube was used as its main components and memory device.

·         Punch card was used as input device as well as output device.

·         Computers were electro-mechanical.

·         Machine level language was used for computer programming.

·         The size of computer was very large, non-portable. And it was also expensive.

MARK-I, ABC, ENIAC are some examples of first-generation computer.

Ø Second Generation Computer (1955-1964 A.D.)

• Transistor was used as its main components and magnetic core was used as internal memory.
• Punch card was used as input and output device.
• Computers were electro-mechanical.
• Assembly and high-level language was used for computer programming.
• The size of computer was less than first generation computer as well as in price. They are also non-portable.

IBM 1401, ICL 2950|10, IBM 1620 are some examples of second-generation computer.

Ø Third Generation Computer (1964-1975 A.D.)

·         IC was used for the electronic circuit in computer.

·         Keyboards were used as input device and monitors were used as output device

·         Semi conductor memory was used as primary memory and magnetic disk as secondary storage device.

·         Computers were electronic.

·         Further development of high-level language was used for computer programming.

·         The size and cost were small and less respectively than previous generation computers. Also, they are portable.

IBM 360 SERIES, UNIVAC 9000, ICL 1800, etc are the examples of third generation computers.

Ø Fourth generation computer (1975-2015)

·         ICS and microprocessor are used as main component.

·         Input/output devices has been further refined and invented various devices such as scanner, touch screen, printer, etc.

·         Semi conductor memory with huge capacity and magnetic optical disk with large storage capacity are used as memory and storage device respectively.

·         Computers were electronic.

·         The size of computers was small and cost is less expensive than previous generation computers.

·         Advanced HLL and 4GL for application and database programming have been used for computer programming.

Acer ASPIRE 5741; Apple Mac Book Air, Dell INSPIRON 1400, HP, etc are some example of it.

Ø Fifth generation computer

• They will be capable of fully parallel processing.
• Computer will use super conductor memory like bio-chips.
• The computer will be intelligent and knowledge base.
• English, Napoli, Hindi, etc will be used for giving instruction and making computer program.
• There will be large scale data processing on the basis of knowledge processing.