1.
First Generation Computers
The period of first generation was from 1946-1959. The computers of first generation
used vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central
Processing Unit). These tubes, like electric bulbs, produced a lot of heat and the
installations used to fuse frequently. In this generation, mainly batch processing
operating system was used. Punch cards, paper tape, and magnetic tape was used as
input and output devices. The computers in this generation used machine code as the
programming language.
The main features of the first generation are:
• Vacuum tube technology
• Unreliable
• Supported machine language only
• Very costly
• Generates lot of heat
• Slow input and output devices
• Huge size
• Need of AC
• Non-portable
• Consumes lot of electricity
Some computers of this generation were:
• ENIAC
• EDVAC
• UNIVAC
• IBM-701
• IBM-750
2. Second Generation Computers
The period of second generation was from 1959-1965. In this generation, transistors
were used that were cheaper, consumed less power, more compact in size, more reliable
and faster than the first-generation machines made of vacuum tubes. In this generation,
magnetic cores were used as the primary memory and magnetic tape and magnetic
disks as secondary storage devices.
In this generation, assembly language and high-level programming languages like
FORTRAN, COBOL were used. The computers used batch processing and
multiprogramming operating system.
The main features of second generation are:
• Use of transistors
• Reliable
• Smaller size
• Generates less heat
• Consumed less electricity
• Faster than the first generation
• Still very costly
• AC required
• Supported machine and assembly languages
Some computers of this generation were:
• IBM 1620
• IBM 7094
• CDC 1604
• CDC 3600
• UNIVAC 1108
3. Third Generation Computers
The period of third generation was from 1965-1971. The computers of third generation
used Integrated Circuits (ICs) in place of transistors. A single IC has many transistors,
resistors, and capacitors along with the associated circuitry. This development made
computers smaller in size, reliable, and efficient. In this generation remote processing,
time-sharing, multi-programming operating system were used. High-level languages
(FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BAS etc.) were used during this generation.
The main features of third generation are:
• IC used
• More reliable
• Smaller size
• Generated less heat
• Faster
• Lesser maintenance
• Costly
• AC required
• Consumed lesser electricity
• Supported high-level language
Some computers of this generation were:
• IBM-360 series
• Honeywell-6000 series
• PDP (Personal Data Processor)
• IBM-370/168
• TDC-316
4. Fourth Generation Computers
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. As a result, it gave rise to
Personal Computer (PC) revolution. In this generation, time sharing, real time networks,
distributed operating system were used. All the high-level languages like C, C++, DBASE
etc., were used in this generation.
The main features of fourth generation are:
• VLSI technology used
• Very cheap
• Portable and reliable
• Use of PCs
• Very small size
• Pipeline processing
• No AC required
• Concept of internet was introduced
• Great developments in the fields of networks
• Computers became easily available
Some computers of this generation were:
• DEC 10
• STAR 1000
• PDP 11
• CRAY-1(Super Computer)
• CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)
5. Fifth Generation Computers
The period of fifth generation is 1980-till date. In the fifth generation, VLSI technology
became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the production of
microprocessor chips having ten million electronic components. This generation is
based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. All the
high-level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation.
The main features of fifth generation are:
• ULSI technology
• Development of true artificial intelligence
• Development of Natural language processing
• Advancement in Parallel Processing
• Advancement in Superconductor technology
• More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features
• Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates
Some computer types of this generation are:
• Desktop
• Laptop
• Notebook
• Ultrabook
• Chromebook