Generations of Computer

Table of Contents

Generations of Computer

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A generation refers to the state of improvement in the development of system. Each generation of computer is characterised by a major technological development that fundamentally changed the way, computers operate.

1.Generations :-First(1940-56)

Switching Devices :-Vacuum tubes
Storage Devices/Speed :-Magnetic drums (milli seconds)
Operating Systems/ Programming Languages :-Batch operating system /Machine language (Binary numbers 0’s and 1’s)
Characteristics

Fastest computing device.
Generate large amount of heat.
Non-portable.

Applications:-Used for scientific purpose. e.g. ENIAC, UNIVAC, MARK-1, etc

2.Generations :-Second (1956-63)

Switching Devices :-Transistors (Made up of semiconductors)
Storage Devices/Speed :-Magnetic core technology (micro seconds)
Operating Systems/ Programming Languages :-Time sharing OS, Multitasking OS/ Assembly language, high level language

Characteristics

More reliable and less prone to hardware failure.
Portable and generate less amount of heat.

Applications:- Used for commercial production. e.g. PDP-8, IBM-1401, etc.

3.Generations :-Third(1964-71)

Switching Devices :-Integrated Circuits (ICs) (Made up of silicon)
Storage Devices/Speed :-Magnetic core as primary storage medium (nano seconds)
Operating Systems/ Programming Languages :-Real-time system/ High level language (FORTRAN, COBOL, ALGOL)

Characteristics

Consumed less power.
Highly sophisticated technology required.

Applications:- Database management system e.g. NCR-395, B6500, etc.

4.Generations :-Fourth(1971-Present)

Switching Devices :-Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuit, microprocessor
Storage Devices/Speed :-Semi conductor memory, Winchester disc (pico seconds)
Operating Systems/ Programming Languages :-Time sharing /PASCAL, ADA, COBOL-74, FORTRAN IV

Characteristics

More reliable and portable.
This generation leads to better communication and resource sharing

Applications:- Electronic fund transfer, Distributed system, e.g. Intel 4004 chip, Macintosh..

5.Generations :-Fifth (Present and Beyond)

Switching Devices :-Super Large Scale Integrated (SLSI) chips
Storage Devices/Speed :-Optical disc
Operating Systems/ Programming Languages :-Knowledge Information Processing System