Generation of Computer

As a result of humans' need for quick, precise calculators, the computer has developed. However, numerous other inventions are necessary for the development of digital computers. Computer generations are developed based on new technological advancements, producing better, less expensive, and smaller computers that are more reliable, quick, and effective than the previous ones. Computers come in five generations. Computer generations differ based on:

• Technology used- include software and hardware
• Computing characteristics
• Physical appearance

First Generation (1940-1956)

This generation of computers employed magnetic drums for memory and vacuum tubes for their circuits. They occupied entire rooms because of their enormous size. Binary coding (0s and 1s) was used in the machine languages that were used to write the instructions. They produced a lot of heat, used a lot of electricity, and were quite expensive to run. Breakdowns or crashes were frequently brought on by this. Computers were able to solve one problem at a time and relied on machine language, which is a language that computers can understand. Punched cards and paper tape provided all of the input. Printouts showed the output. UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer), ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator), and EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) are the examples of computing devices used in first generation. Since they were the quickest computers available at the time, first generation computers were used for scientific applications.

Second Generation (1956-1963)

In the second generation of computers, vacuum tubes took the place of transistors. The transistor outperformed the vacuum tube by a wide margin, and as a result, second-generation computers are now smaller, quicker, cheaper, more energy-efficient, and more dependable. Punch cards were still used by second-generation computers for both input and output. The primary memory of the computer from the second generation employed magnetic core technology. The confusing binary machine language of second-generation computers was replaced by symbolic or assembly languages, which let programmers to define commands in English format.

At this time, high-level programming languages like the first iterations of FORTRAN and COBOL were also being created. Additionally, these were the first computers with magnetic core technology for storing instructions. The atomic energy sector was the target market for the first computers of this generation. In microseconds, the computing time was measured. Although the cost of these computers' commercial production was relatively high, it was lower than that of their predecessors. The second generation of computers required human assembly of the transistors. Languages like PDP-8, IBM 1401, and CDC 1604 are a few examples.

Third Generation (1964-1971): Integrated Circuits

The third generation of computers was characterized by the advancement of the integrated circuit. Computer speed and efficiency significantly enhanced after transistors were downsized and placed on silicon chips known as semiconductors. Users interacted with third-generation computers with keyboards, monitors, and an operating system that allowed the device to run multiple different programs simultaneously with a main program rather than punched cards and printouts.

Because they were more compact and affordable than their predecessors, computers were made more widely available to the general public. Programming languages were also widely used. Nanoseconds were used to measure the computation time. In comparison to computers from the previous generation, the size of these machines was reduced (i.e., small). IBM 370 and PDP 11 are two examples. In comparison to the second generation computers, the third generation computers used less electricity and produced less heat. The computer's price was purposefully cut. In comparison to its forerunners, the computers required less upkeep.

Fourth Generation (1971-Present):

The fourth generation of computers brought about the microprocessor thanks to the integration of thousands of integrated circuits onto a single silicon chip. The first generation's components, which once filled a whole room, may now fit in the palm of your hand. IBM unveiled their first desktop computer, and Apple unveiled the Macintosh. As microprocessors started to be used in an increasing number of commonplace devices, they also left the domain of desktop computers and entered many other spheres of existence. Being more potent, they could be connected to one another to create networks, which eventually resulted in the creation of the Internet. The development of GUIs, the mouse, and handheld devices occurred during the fourth generation of computers. Personal Computers were created by this computer generation.

Fast random access to memory was made possible by switching from magnetic core memory to semi conductor memory. The capacity of secondary storage devices has increased while their physical size has shrunk. Additionally, this generation saw the emergence of mobile gadgets and pointing devices like the mouse. Operating systems evolved into MS-DOS and MS-Windows. Computers of this generation prepared for Graphical User Interface (GUI). GUI is a user-friendly interface that allows user to interact with the computer through menus and icons. It uses high-level programming languages. In picoseconds, the calculation time is measured. They are diminutive. Computers from the fourth generation are also portable. Compared to earlier generations, they produce a lot less heat and require less maintenance. Communication and resource sharing have benefited from networking.

Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond)

AI is present in computers of the fifth generation. Even though they are still under development, some of the applications, like voice recognition, are already in use. Super large size integrated chips, which can store millions of components on a single chip, are used in computers of the fifth generation. These computers require a lot of memory. Instead of serial execution, they make advantage of parallel processing, which enables the execution of numerous instructions simultaneously. Processing speed is increased through parallel processing. Nanotechnology, molecular technology, and quantum computation will all be promoted. The goal of fifth-generation computing is to create tools that react to language naturally.

Reference:

Ghishing, Er.Ashim. Computer Science. Kathmandu, Nepal: Benchmark , 2008.