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Fundamentals of a Computer

Five generations of a Computer :

  1. First generation of Computers (1946 - 1959) :
    • The first generation of computers were developed by using vacuum tube.
    • The input of this system was based on punched cards and paper tape.
    • The output was displayed on printouts.
    • Examples are ENIAC(Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) etc.

  2. Second generation of Computers (1959 - 1965) :
    • The second generation of computers were developed by using transistor technology.
    • These systems were cheaper, consumed less power, more compact in size, more reliable and faster than first generation of computers.
    • Assembly language and high-level programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL were used.
    • Examples are IBM 1620, IBM 7094, UNIVAC 1108 (Universal Automatic Computer) etc.

  3. Third generation of Computers (1965 - 1971) :
    • The third generation computers were developed by using the Integrated Circuit (IC) technology.
    • The size of these computers was smaller.
    • It was consumed less power and also generated less heat.
    • High-level languages (FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68 etc.) were used
    • Examples are IBM-360 series, IBM-370/168, PDP (Personal Data Processor) etc.

  4. Fourth generation of Computers (1971 - 1980) :
    • The fourth generation computers were developed by using microprocessor technology.
    • It became more powerful, faster, compact, reliable, and affordable.
    • All the high-level languages like C, C++, DBASE, Perl, Python, Ruby, SQL etc. were used
    • Concept of internet was introduced in this generation.
    • Graphics User Interface (GUI) technology was introduced to offer more comfort to users.
    • Examples are DEC 10 (Digital Equipment Corporation), STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-1(Super Computer) etc.

  5. Fifth generation of Computers (1980 - Present) :
    • This generation is based on artificial intelligence.
    • The aim of the fifth generation is to make a device which act or respond like human being.
    • These computers had high capability and large memory capacity.
    • Examples are Laptop, Notebook, UltraBook etc.