Generation of Computer
Generation of Computer
The computer has evolved from a large—sized simple calculating machine to a smaller but much more powerful machine. The evolution of computer to the current state is defined in terms of the generations of computer. Each generation of computer is designed based on a new technological development, resulting in better, cheaper and smaller computers that are more powerful, faster and efficient than their predecessors. Currently, there are five generations of computer. In the following subsections, we will discuss the generations of computer in terms of—
1. the technology used by them (hardware and software)
2. computing characteristics (speed, i.e., number of instructions executed per second)
3. physical appearance
4. their applications
There are mainly five generations
» First Generation of Computer (1940 to 1956): Using Vacuum Tubes
» Second Generation of Computer (1956 to 1963): Using Transistors
» Third Generation of Computer (1964 to 1971): Using Integrated Circuits
» Fourth Generation of Computer (1971 to present): Using Microprocessors
» Fifth Generation of Computer (Present and Next): Using Artificial Intelligence