Skip to main content

Generation Of Computers Explain

 

Generation Of Computers

Generation of Computers


Generation of computers can be understood by looking into five generations. With each new generation of computers, there had been advancement in computer technology. The circuitry became smaller with enhanced speed, less consumption of power, and efficient memory Therefore, each generation of computer is characterized by a major technological development that has drastically changed the way in which computers operate

First Generation (1942-1955)

Hardware Technology- First generation computers were manufactured using thousands of vacuum tubes

Generation of Computers


Software Technology- Programming was done in machine language or assembly language.

Used for - Scientific application

Exmaples - ENIAC,EDVAC,EDSAC,UNIVAC I,IBM 701

Highlights

  • They were the fastest calculating device of those times.
  • Computers were too bulky and required a complete roomm for storage.
  • Highly unreliable as vacuum tubes emitted a large amount of heat and burnt frequently.
  • Required air-conditioned room for installation.
  • Costly.
  • Difficult to use.
  • Required constant maintenance because vaccum tube used filaments tha had limited lifetime.Terefore, these computers were prone to frequent hardware failures.

Second Generation Computers(1955-1964)

Hardware Technology- Second generation computers were manufactured using transistor.Transistor were reliable,powerful,cheaper,smaller, and cooler than vacuum tubes.

Generation of Computers

Software Technology -Programming was done in high-level programming language.

Used for - Scientific and commercial applications

Examples -  Honeywell 400,IBM 70030,CDC 1604, UNIVAC LARC

Highlights

  • Faster, smaller,cheaper,reliable , and easer to use thna the first gen computer.
  • Consumed less energy as compered to first gen computer.
  • Less bulky than first gen computers.
  • Generate less heat.
  • Less costly.
  • But dificult to use.

Third Generation Computers(1964-1975)

Hardware - Third Generation Computer uses IC (Integrated Chips). IC consist of several computers within it. These computer used SSI and MSI technology. Minicomputers comes into existence.

Generation of Computers


Software Technology-  Programming was done in high level language , language such as FORTRAN, COBOL,Pascal and BASIC.

Used for - Scientific, commercial application.

Examples - IBM360/370,PDP-8, PADP-11,CDC6600.

Highlights

  • Faster, smaller, cheaper\, reliable and easer to use than other gen computer.
  • Consume less energy 
  • Less costly.
  • Generate less heat
  • Easier to use(as compared to first and second gen computer)

Fourth Generation Computers(1975-1989)


Hardware Technology - Fourth generation computers were using IC with LSI(Large Scale Integrated) and late with VLSI(Very Large Scale Integrated). High speed computer network are started to grow such as LAN, WAN, MAN. 

Generation of Computers


Software Technology - Programming was done with high level language such as c++ and JAVA. And with high level programming language GUI(Graphical User Interface) application come into existance.

Used for - Network application,GUI application, Scientific.

Examples - IBM PC, Apple II ,TRS-80.

HighLights

  • Faster.
  • Smaller.
  • Cheaper.
  • Powerful.
  • Reliable.
  • Easy to use.

Fifth Generation Computers(1989-Present)

Hardware Technology-  Fifth generation computers use IC with ULSI(Ultra Large Scale Integrated) technology. Very powerful mainframes, desktop, portable, laptops, and smartphones are being used. Supercomputer are used in fifth generation of computers.

Generation of Computers


Software Technology - Programming was done in high-level programming language like, Java,Python ,C#.

Used for - Scientific, commercial and network application.

Examples-  IBM notebook,IBM SP/2.

HIghlights

  • Faster
  • Smaller
  • Powerful.
  • Reliable.
  • Speed of microprocessor and the size of memory is fast.
  • Consume less power.
  • Air-conditioned rooms are requires for supercomputer for cooling.

If you like the post then please share with friends and comment for more post like this.

Thank you.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Cache Memory

Cache Memory Cache memory is an intermediate form of storage between registers and the primary memory. It is used to store instructions and data that are repeatedly required to execute programs thereby improving the overall system speed and increase the performance of the computer. Keeping frequently accessed data and instructions in the cache avoids accessing the slower primary memory. Working of the Cache Memory When a program is being executed and the CPU wants to read data or instructions, then the following steps will be performed: CPU first checks whether the data or instruction is available in cache memory. If it is not present, the CPU reads the data or instructions from the main memory into the processor registers. The CPU also copies it into the cache memory. When the same piece of data/instruction is needed, the CPU reads it from the cache memory instead of the main memory

Classification of computers software

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE Computer software is written by programmers using a programming language. The programmer writes a set of instructions (program) using a specific programming language. Such programs are known as the source code. Another computer program called a compiler is then used on the source code, to transform the instructions into a language that the computer can understand. The result is an executable computer program, which is another name for software. Examples of computer software include the following: Driver software, which allows a computer to interact with hardware devices such as printers, scanners, and video cards. Educational software, which includes programs and games that help in teaching and providing drills to help memorize facts. Educational software can be used in diverse areas, from teaching computer-related activities like typing to subjects like chemistry. Media players and media development software, which are specifically designed to play ...