Generations of Computers

                                    GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS

  Do you what is meant by the word generation? In term of time, it normally means age   group. For example, you are child of your parents. Similarly, your father is the child of your grandparents and you are in the second generation of your grandparents.

                            In the above case of your grandfather, father and you, there is three generation.Similarly, the computer also has different generations. The computer has classified intoFive generations based on technology used, the way they work and their size.

 FIRST GENERATION COMPUTER (1942 – 1955)

 First generation computer had the following features:

 ☼ They used Vacuum Tubes

☼ They were very expensive.

☼ They were very heavy and large in size.

☼ They are generated a lot of heat.

     Examples: EDSAC (1949), EDVAC (1951)

 SECOND GENERATION COMPUTERS (1956 – 1964)

 Second generation computers had the following features:

 ☼ They were used electronic devices called Transistors.

☼ They were smaller in size than first generation computers.

☼ They were faster than first generation computers and also less expensive.

     Examples: IBM 1401, IBM 700.

 THIRD GENERATION COMPUTERS (1965 – 1971)

  Third generation computers had the following features:

☼ They used electronic devices called Integrated Circuits.

☼ They were smaller in size than second generation computers and less expensive.

☼ They were faster and more accurate than second generation computers.

    Examples: IBM 360, ICL 1900.

 FOURTH GENERATION COMPUERS (1972 onwards)

  Fourth generation computers have the following features:

☼ They use a device called Microprocessor.

☼ They are smaller in size.

☼ They are cheaper and faster.

☼ They are very easy to handle.

    Examples: IBM 4300, ICL 2900.

 FIFTH GENERATION COMPUTERS (Future Computers)

Fifth generation computers will have the following features:

☼ They will be intelligent like human beings, and will use Artificial Intelligence for working.

☼ They will be able to think like us.

☼ They will be used in robotics, designing, defence etc.