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 

1. Fastest computing device. 
2.  Generate large amount of heat. 
3.  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 

1.  More reliable and less prone to hardware failure. 
2. 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 

1.  Consumed less power. 
2. 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 

1.  More reliable and portable. 
2.  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

• Characteristics 

1.  Parallel processing. 
2. Intel core microprocessor is implemented. 
3.  Enables mega chips.

• Applications:- Artificial intelligence e.g. Robotics.

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