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FIRST GENERATION(1940‐1958)
VACCUM TUBES
The first generation computers used vacuum tubes as the basic components because vacuum tubes are the only
electronic components available on those days. Vacuum tubes are used for circuitry and magnetic drums are used
for memory. The example of first generation computers is ENIAC, UNIVAC,EDVAC, and EDSAC.
SECOND GENERATION(1959‐1963)
TRANSISTORS
The second generation computers used transistors as the basic components. Second generation computers
used magnetic tapes, magnetic disks for secondary memory and magnetic core for primary memory. The
examples of second generation computers are IBM 7000 Series, CDC 1620,CDC 3000 Series, UNIVAC 1107 .
THIRD GENERATION(1964‐1970)
INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
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. The IC was invented by Jack Kilby.
Advantages of Integrated Circuits :‐Much Smaller than those of Prior Generations, Cost Less, less Heat
Generated, Less Maintenance, Support Higher Level Language, Consumed Less Energy ,Keyboard and Monitor
(Instead of Punch Cards),Operating Systems. The example are IBM 360 Series, UNIVAC 1108/1106
Honeywell 6000 Series .
FOURTH GENERATION(1971‐PRESENT)
MICROPROCESSORS
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. The first microprocessor was first introduced in 1971 by Intel,
invented by their employee Ted Hoff. They named it the Intel 4004; the first computer on a chip. These chips
made it possible for computers to fit on a desktop. Characteristics of 4th Generation :‐Use of the
Microprocessor/ VLSI , Less Expensive, Portable, Smaller Size,,BASIC Computer Language,Computer Mouse
and GUI make Computers More Personable.The example are ALTAIR 8800,Apple I,Apple II,Macintosh
IBM PC
FIFTH GENERATION(PRESENT‐FUTURE)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
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. Characteristics of the fifth generation
include: Parallel Computing, Use of ULSI Technology, Very High Level Computer Language, I Development
(Artificial Intelligence) ,Intricate and Diverse Operating Systems. The examples are :‐laptops,PDAs,Smartphones
Super Computers.