GENERATION OF COMPUTER

  GENERATION OF COMPUTER

FIRST GENERATION

Electronic machine which was distinct from mechanical computers evolved about 1945. UNIVAC is a good example of this generation of computers.

Computers of this generation were characterized by:

1. They used Vacuum tubes.

2. They were very large and expensive.

3. They were very bulky.

4. They had a low retentive memory.

5. They generated a lot of heat.

SECOND GENERATION 

Second generation computers were the replacement of vacuum tubes. Second generation computers utilized primary discrete TRANSISTORS. They had limited capability but were more advanced than the first generation computers.

FEATURES

1. They were more reliable than the first generation.

2. They could perform calculations.

3. They had a more efficient storage facility.

4. They generated lesser heat compared with the first generated computers.

THIRD GENERATION

Third generation computers utilized INTEGRATED CIRCUIT [ICs] technology, Small Scale Integration [SSI] with more sophisticated software capability like multi-programming, multi-processing and operating systems as resource managers.

The following can be noted in third generation computers:

1. Faster input and output. 

2. Increased storage capability

3. Increased process capability

4. Ability to display pictures and musical sound

FOURTH GENERATION 

Fourth generation computers appeared at about 1975. The technologies that characterized these machines were LARGE SCALE INTEGRATION (LSI) and VERY LARGE SCALE INTEGRATION (VLSI). The computers produced at this period were of a higher capability in terms of speed, storage and of superior performance over their counterparts of the third generation.

FIFTH GENERATION

These generations of computers made use of ARTFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AL).  This category of computer was built around the following objects.

1. To build super computer i.e computers which could perform operation in the range of 10 billion instructions per seconds.

2. They were designed to have capacities like sight and hearing as well as capability to stimulate human thoughts e.g robots.