Question

Generation of computers

Answer 1

Computer generations:-

1.First Generations:-

The period of first generation was 1942-1954.First generation computer started with using vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory.These are likely to electric bulb which produces a lot of heat.

Main features of first generation:-

i)Vacuum tube technology.

ii)Unreliable

iii)Supported machine language only.

iv)Very costly.

v)Generate lot of heat.

2.Second Generation:-

The period of second generation was 1952-1964.

This generation using the transistor were cheaper,consumed less power, more compact in size,more reliable.magnetic cores were used as primary memory and magnetic tape and magnetic disks as secondary storage devices.

The main features of second generation are:-

i)Use of transistors.

ii)Reliable as compared to first generation computers.

iii)Smaller size as compared to first generation computers.

iv)Generate less heat as compared to first generation computers.

3.Third generation:-

The period of third generation was 1964-1972.The third generation of computer is marked by the use Integrated Circuits(IC's) in place of transistors.

The main features of Third Generation are:-

i) IC used

ii)More reliable.

iii) Smalller size

iv)Generate less heat.

v)Faster

4.Fourth generation:-

The period of Fourth Generation was 1972-1990.

The fourth generation of computers is marked by the use of very Large scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits.

The main features of fourth Generation are:-

i) VLSI technology.

ii)Very cheap

iii)Portable and reliable.

iv) Pipeline processing.

5.Fifth Generation:-

The period of Fifth Generation is 1990 - till Date.

In the fifth generation, the VLSI technology became ULSI(ultra large scale integration) technology,resulting in production of microprocessor chips.

The main features of Fifth Generation are:-

ULSI Technology.

Development of true artificial intelligence.

Development of natural language processing.

Advancement in parallel processing.