Different Generation Computer and their features with example
First Generation: (1946-1969)
The main features of the first generation are:
Vacuum tube technology Unreliable Supported machine language only Very costly generated a lot of heat Slow input and output devices Huge size Need of AC
Non-portable consumed a lot of electricity
Some computers of this generation were:
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| First Generation Computer |
• ENIAC
• EDVAC
• UNIVAC
• IBM-701
2nd Generation: (1959-1965):
The main features of second generation are:
• Use of transistors
Reliable in comparison to first generation computers smaller size as compared to first generation computers Generated less heat as compared to first generation computers consumed less electricity as compared to first generation computers
 |
| 2nd Generation Computer |
• Faster than first generation computers • Still very costly
• AC required
• Supported machine and assembly languages
• Some computers of this generation were: • IBM 1620
IBM 7094 • CDC 3600 • UNIVAC 1108
Third Generation Computers (1965-1971)
The main features of third generation are:
• IC used
• More reliable in comparison to previous two generation.
• Smaller size
• Generated less heat
•Faster Lesser maintenance Costly AC required consumed lesser electricity Supported high-level language.
• Some computers of this generation were: • IBM-360 series,Honeywell-6000 series, PDP (Personal Data Processor) IBM-370/168 TDC-316
Fourth Generation Computers (1971-1980)
The main features of fourth generation are:
• VLSI technology used
• Very cheap
• Portable and reliable
• Use of PCs
Very small size Pipeline processing No AC required Concept of internet was introduced great developments in the fields of networks Computers became easily available
• Some computers of this generation were:
• DEC 10
STAR 1000 PDP 11 CRAY-1(Super Computer) CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)
Fifth Generation Computers (1980-on towards)
AI includes:
• Robotics
• Neural Networks Game Playing Development of expert systems to make decisions in real-life situations Natural language understanding and generation
• The main features of fifth generation are:
• ULSI technology • Development of true artificial intelligence
• Development of Natural language processing
• Advancement in Parallel Processing
• Advancement in Superconductor technology more user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates
Some computer types of this generation are:
• Desktop, Laptop, NoteBook