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004 GenerationsofComp.

The document outlines the evolution of computer generations from 1946 to the present, detailing five distinct periods: first generation (1946-1959) with vacuum tubes, second generation (1959-1965) with transistors, third generation (1965-1971) with integrated circuits, fourth generation (1971-1980) with very large scale integration, and fifth generation (1982-present) focusing on artificial intelligence and advanced microelectronics. Each generation saw significant advancements in technology, size, speed, and affordability of computers. The fifth generation has particularly emphasized AI applications, gaining popularity with technologies like GPT-4.

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3 views4 pages

004 GenerationsofComp.

The document outlines the evolution of computer generations from 1946 to the present, detailing five distinct periods: first generation (1946-1959) with vacuum tubes, second generation (1959-1965) with transistors, third generation (1965-1971) with integrated circuits, fourth generation (1971-1980) with very large scale integration, and fifth generation (1982-present) focusing on artificial intelligence and advanced microelectronics. Each generation saw significant advancements in technology, size, speed, and affordability of computers. The fifth generation has particularly emphasized AI applications, gaining popularity with technologies like GPT-4.

Uploaded by

myklay77
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Generations of Computer

The period of first generation was from 1946-1959. The computers of first
generation used vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and for CPU
(Central Processing Unit). Vacuum tubes, were as large as electric bulbs hence the
computers were very large and slow. Vacuum tubes, produced a lot of heat and the
installations would fuse frequently. First generation computers were very expensive.
Examples

 ENIAC
 EDVAC
 UNIVAC
 IBM-701
 IBM-650

Second generation

The period of second generation was from 1959-1965. In this generation, transistors
were used. Transistors were cheaper, more compact in size, and consumed a lot
less power. They were also more reliable and faster than vacuum tubes hence the
second generation machines were faster and more reliable
This generation used magnetic cores as the primary memory and magnetic tape and
magnetic disks as secondary storage devices. Also assembly language and high-
level programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL were used.

Some computers of this generation were −

 IBM 1620
 IBM 7094
 CDC 1604
 CDC 3600
 UNIVAC 1108

Third generation
The period of third generation was from 1965-1971. The computers of third
generation used Integrated Circuits (ICs) in place of transistors. A single small sized
IC had many transistors, resistors, and capacitors along with the associated circuitry
packed into it.
The IC was invented by Jack Kilby. This development made computers smaller in
size, reliable, and efficient. High level programming languages were used during
this generation.
Some computers of this generation were −

 IBM-360 series
 Honeywell-6000 series
 PDP (Personal Data Processor)
 IBM-370/168
 TDC-316

Fourth Generation
The period of fourth generation was from 1971-1980. Computers of fourth
generation used Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. VLSI circuits having
about 5000 transistors and other circuit elements with their associated circuits on a
single chip made it possible to have microcomputers of fourth generation.
Fourth generation computers became more powerful, compact, reliable, and
affordable. As a result, it gave rise to Personal Computer (PC) revolution.
Some computers of this generation were −

 DEC 10
 STAR 1000
 PDP 11
 CRAY-1(Super Computer)
 CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)

Fifth generation
This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial
Intelligence) software. AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which deals
with any method of making computers perform tasks that are considere to require
human intelligence.
Fifth generation computers is built on artificial intelligence and advanced
microelectronics. Introduced in 1982 with Japan's Fifth Generation Computer
System (FGCS), However AI began to gain significant popularity around 2023,
particularly with the rise of generative AI technologies and applications like AI art
and chatbots. The release of models such as GPT-4 and their integration into day to
day computing and social media services like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
that dominate the online landscape.
AI includes −

 Robotics
 Neural Networks
 Game Playing
 Development of expert systems to make decisions in real-life situations
 Natural language understanding and generation

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