Computer Generations

Generation in computer talk is a step in technology. It provides a framework for the growth of the computer industry. Originally the term generation was used to distinguish between varying hardware technologies. But now days, it has been extended to include. Both the hardware and the software.

First Generations (1942-1955)

We have already discussed about some of the early computer- ENIAC, EDVAC, and EDSAC etc. These machines and other of their time were made possible by the invention of vacuum tube. Which was a fragile glass device that could control an amplify electronic signals. These vacuum tube computers are referred to as first generation computer.

Advantage

1. Vacuum tubes were the only electronic components available during those days.
2. These computers were the fastest calculating device of their time. They could perform computations in milliseconds.
3. Vacuum tubes technology made possible the advent of electronic digital computers.

Disadvantage

1. Too bulky in size.
2. Unreliable.
3. Air conditioning required.
4. Non portable.
5. Limited commercial use.

Second generation (1955-64)

The transistor a smaller and more reliable successor to the vacuum tube, was invented in 1947. However, computers that used transistors were not produced in quantity until over a with transistors being the brain of the computers.

Advantages

1. More reliable.
2. Less heated generated.
3. Less prone to hardware failures.
4. Better portability.
5. Wider commercial use.

Disadvantages

1. Air conditioning required.
2. Frequent maintenance required.
3. Manual assembly of individual components into a functioning unit was required.

Third generation (1964-75)

Advances in electronics technology and the advent of microelectronics technology made it possible to integrated large number of circuit elements into very small (less than 5 mm square) surface of silicon know as chips (IC’s). The generation was based on IC technology and the computer that ware design with use of integrated circuits were called third generation computer.

Advantages

1. Smaller in size as compared to previous generation computer.
2. Commercial production was easier and cheaper.
3. Even more resizable than second generation computer.
4. Easy portable.
5. Even lower heat generated than second generation computer.

Disadvantage

1. Air conditioning required in many cases.
2. Higher sophisticated technology required for the manufacture of IC chips.

Fourth Generation (1975-Onwards)

A Fourth Generation computer, which is what we have now, has VLSI chips as technology which has led to the development of very small but extremely powerful computers. It was the start of a social revolution. A whole computer circuit was soon available on a single chip the size of a postage stamp overnight computers become in credibly compact.

Advantages

1. Very reliable.
2. Heat generated is negligible.
3. No air conditioning required most cases.
4. Totally general purpose.
5. Easily portable because of their small size.

Disadvantages

1. Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacture of CSI chips.

Fifth generation (yet to come)

Scientists are now at work on the fifth generation computer a promise, but not yet a reality. They aim to bring us machines with genuine I.Q., the ability to reason logically, and with real knowledge of the world. Thus, unlike the last four generations which naturally followed its predecessor, the fifth generation will be totally different, totally novel,totally new.