How many generations of computers are there

How many generations of computers are there?

Computer generations are based on when major technological changes in computers occurred, like the use of vacuum tubes, transistors, and the microprocessor. As of 2020, there are five generations of the computer.

Review each of the generations below for more information and examples of computers and technology that fall into each generation.

The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes as a major piece of technology. Vacuum tubes were widely used in computers from 1940 through 1956. Vacuum tubes were larger components and resulted in first-generation computers being quite large in size, taking up a lot of space in a room. Some of the first-generation computers took up an entire room.

The ENIAC is a great example of a first-generation computer. It consisted of nearly 20,000 vacuum tubes, 10,000 capacitors, and 70,000 resistors. It weighed over 30 tons and took up a lot of space, requiring a large room to house it. Other examples of first-generation computers include the EDSAC, IBM 701, and Manchester Mark 1.

The second generation of computers saw the use of transistors instead of vacuum tubes. Transistors were widely used in computers from 1956 to 1963. Transistors were smaller than vacuum tubes and allowed computers to be smaller in size, faster in speed, and cheaper to build.

The first computer to use transistors was the TX-0 and was introduced in 1956. Other computers that used transistors include the IBM 7070, Philco Transac S-1000, and RCA 501.

The third generation of computers introduced the use of IC (integrated circuits) in computers. Using IC’s in computers helped reduce the size of computers even more than second-generation computers, and also made them faster.

Nearly all computers since the mid to late 1960s have utilized IC’s. While the third generation is considered by many people to have spanned from 1964 to 1971, IC’s are still used in computers today. Over 45 years later, today’s computers have deep roots going back to the third generation.

The fourth generation of computers took advantage of the invention of the microprocessor, more commonly known as a CPU. Microprocessors, with integrated circuits, helped make it possible for computers to fit easily on a desk and for the introduction of the laptop.

Some of the earliest computers to use a microprocessor include the Altair 8800, IBM 5100, and Micral. Today’s computers still use a microprocessor, despite the fourth generation being considered to have ended in 2010.

Fifth generation (2010 to present)

The fifth generation of computers is beginning to use AI (artificial intelligence), an exciting technology with many potential applications around the world. Leaps have been made in AI technology and computers, but there is still room for much improvement.

One of the more well-known examples of AI in computers is IBM’s Watson, which was featured on the TV show Jeopardy as a contestant. Other better-known examples include Apple’s Siri on the iPhone and Microsoft’s Cortana on Windows 8 and Windows 10 computers. The Google search engine also utilizes AI to process user searches.

Sixth generation (future generations)

As of 2021, most still consider us to be in the fifth generation as AI continues to develop. One possible contender for a future sixth generation is the quantum computer. However, until quantum computing becomes more developed and widely used, it is still only a promising idea.

Some people also consider nanotechnology to be part of the sixth generation. Like quantum computing, nanotechnology is largely still in its infancy and requires more development before becoming widely used.

Generations of Computers – Computer Fundamentals

The modern computer took its shape with the arrival of your time. It had been around 16th century when the evolution of the computer started. The initial computer faced many changes, obviously for the betterment. It continuously improved itself in terms of speed, accuracy, size, and price to urge the form of the fashionable day computer. This long period is often conveniently divided into the subsequent phases called computer generations:

Before there are graphing calculators, spreadsheets, and computer algebra systems, mathematicians and inventors searched for solutions to ease the burden of calculation.

Below are the 8 mechanical calculators before modern computers were invented.

1. Abacus (ca. 2700 BC)

2. Pascal’s Calculator (1652)

3. Stepped Reckoner (1694)

4. Arithmometer (1820)

5. Comptometer (1887) and Comptograph (1889)

6. The Difference Engine (1822)

7. Analytical Engine (1834)

8. The Millionaire (1893)

First Generation Computers: Vacuum Tubes (1940-1956)

The technology behind the primary generation computers was a fragile glass device, which was called vacuum tubes. These computers were very heavy and really large in size. These weren’t very reliable and programming on them was a really tedious task as they used high-level programming language and used no OS. First-generation computers were used for calculation, storage, and control purpose. They were too bulky and large that they needed a full room and consume rot of electricity.

Main first generation computers are:

Main characteristics of first generation computers are:

Second Generation Computers: Transistors (1956-1963)

Second-generation computers used the technology of transistors rather than bulky vacuum tubes. Another feature was the core storage. A transistor may be a device composed of semiconductor material that amplifies a sign or opens or closes a circuit.

Transistors were invented in Bell Labs. The use of transistors made it possible to perform powerfully and with due speed. It reduced the dimensions and price and thankfully the warmth too, which was generated by vacuum tubes. Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, programming language and input, and output units also came into the force within the second generation.

Programming language was shifted from high level to programming language and made programming comparatively a simple task for programmers. Languages used for programming during this era were FORTRAN (1956), ALGOL (1958), and COBOL (1959).

Main characteristics of second generation computers are:-

Third Generation Computers: Integrated Circuits. (1964-1971)

During the third generation, technology envisaged a shift from huge transistors to integrated circuits, also referred to as IC. Here a variety of transistors were placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors. The most feature of this era’s computer was the speed and reliability. IC was made from silicon and also called silicon chips.

A single IC, has many transistors, registers, and capacitors built on one thin slice of silicon. The value size was reduced and memory space and dealing efficiency were increased during this generation. Programming was now wiped out Higher level languages like BASIC (Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code). Minicomputers find their shape during this era.

Main characteristics of third generation computers are:

Fourth Generation Computers: Micro-processors (1971-Present)

In 1971 First microprocessors were used, the large scale of integration LSI circuits built on one chip called microprocessors. The most advantage of this technology is that one microprocessor can contain all the circuits required to perform arithmetic, logic, and control functions on one chip.

The computers using microchips were called microcomputers. This generation provided the even smaller size of computers, with larger capacities. That’s not enough, then Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits replaced LSI circuits. The Intel 4004chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the pc from the central processing unit and memory to input/ output controls on one chip and allowed the dimensions to reduce drastically.

Technologies like multiprocessing, multiprogramming, time-sharing, operating speed, and virtual memory made it a more user-friendly and customary device. The concept of private computers and computer networks came into being within the fourth generation.

Main characteristics of fourth generation computers are:

Fifth Generation Computers

The technology behind the fifth generation of computers is AI. It allows computers to behave like humans. It is often seen in programs like voice recognition, area of medicines, and entertainment. Within the field of games playing also it’s shown remarkable performance where computers are capable of beating human competitors.

The speed is highest, size is that the smallest and area of use has remarkably increased within the fifth generation computers. Though not a hundred percent AI has been achieved to date but keeping in sight the present developments, it is often said that this dream also will become a reality very soon.

In order to summarize the features of varied generations of computers, it is often said that a big improvement has been seen as far because the speed and accuracy of functioning care, but if we mention the dimensions, it’s being small over the years. The value is additionally diminishing and reliability is in fact increasing.

Main characteristics of fifth generation computers are:

Generations of Computer

First to Fifth Generations of Computer

Computers are essential devices that you must have used while growing up. There are also pretty good chances that you still use a computer daily. Have you ever wondered what a computer really is? Do you know what the generation of computers is?

If you are curious to know the answer to these questions, that is great. In this article, we will answer both of these questions in great detail.

Let’s first begin with what the meaning of computers is. According to experts, a computer can be defined as an electronic device used for manipulating information or data. Computers also have the ability to store, retrieve and process information.

These days, people use computers for typing documents, playing games, sending emails and browsing the internet. One can also use these devices to create or edit presentations, spreadsheets and videos.

You might also be interested to know that the evolution of computers began sometime during the 1940s. At that time, the first generation of computers was created. Since then, experts have also developed other generations of computers. As of now, there are five generations of computers.

In the field of electronics and technology, generation is computer terminology. This term refers to the change that a computer goes through. Earlier, the term generation was used to differentiate between different hardware technologies. However, these days, generation can be used to refer to both software and hardware; these together form the entire computer system.

In the rest of the article, we will discuss these five computer generations. Before we jump on to the details, it is important to go through an overview of these generations.

Generation of Computer Notes – Generation of Computer 1st to 5th

Generations of Computers 1st to 5th

Computer generations are classified according to the major technological changes in computers occurred from time to time, such as the use of vacuum tubes, transistors, and now microprocessor. Five generations of computers are there till 2020.

For more information along with examples of computers and technology that come under each generation, each of them has been reviewed here:

Generation of computer 1st to 5th

First-generation (1940 – 1956)

Vacuum tubes were used as a major piece of technology for the first generation of computers. From 1940 through 1956, Vacuum tubes were widely used in computers. Vacuum tubes were larger components that resulted in quite large size of first generation computers, acquiring a lot of space in a room. Sometimes, an entire room was required for first generation computers.

One of the great examples of a first-generation computer is ENIAC. It was made up of nearly 20,000 vacuum tubes, 10,000 capacitors, and 70,000 resistors. It took up a lot of space and weighed over 30 tons that required a large room to keep it. EDSAC, IBM 701, and Manchester Mark 1 are the other examples of first-generation computers.

first generation computers

The main features of the first generation:

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Second generation (1956 – 1963)

Transistors were used instead of vacuum tubes in the second generation of computers. From 1956 to 1963, transistors were widely used. As compared to vacuum tubes, transistors were smaller in size and allowed computers to be, faster in speed, cheaper to build and smaller in size.

In 1956, the first computer to use transistors was the TX-0. IBM 7070, Philco Transac S-1000, and RCA 501 are the other computers that used transistors.

Second generation computer

The main features of second generation:

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Third generation (1964 – 1971)

In third generation of computers, the use of integrated circuits was introduced. The size of computers was reduced with use of IC even more as compared to second-generation computers, and they became even more faster.

Since the mid to late 1960s, nearly all computers have utilized IC’s. While the third generation to have spanned from 1964 to 1971 is considered by many people, IC’s are still used in computers. Today’s computers have deep root to the third generation, even after 45 years.

integrated circuits – Third generation computer

The main features of the third generation:

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Fourth generation (1972 – 2010)

CPU is the more commonly used microprocessor which was invented during the fourth generation. Microprocessors, along with ICs, it became possible for computers to fit easily on a desk and also led to the introduction of the laptop.

Altair 8800, IBM 5100, and Micral were some of the earliest computers to use a microprocessor. Although the fourth generation has ended in 2010, the microprocessor is still used in computers even today.

CPU – Fourth generation computer

The main features of the fourth generation:

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Fifth generation (2010 to present)

The fifth generation of computers is launch to use artificial intelligence (AI), an exciting technology with many potential applications. In AI technology, and computers, leaps have been made but it still needs much improvement.

One of the well-known examples of artificial intelligence in computers is IBM’s Watson, which was featured as a contestant on the TV show Jeopardy. Other better-known examples include Microsoft’s Cortana on Windows 8 and Windows 10 computers and Apple’s Siri on the iPhone. To process user searches, the Google search engine also utilizes artificial intelligence (AI).

fifth generation of computers

The main features of fifth-generation:

Advantages:

1. Works faster and more reliable.

2. It is available with unique features in different.

3. With multimedia features, it provides computers with more user-friendly interfaces.

Disadvantages:

1. Very low-level languages are required.

2. Human brains may become dull and doomed.

Takshila Learning makes your understanding about every generation of computers thoroughly and lets you apply the same in the related industry that you are working in. Takshila learning has the related material in the form of modules which makes every aspirant aware of the computer, its history, and applications. The live classes and video lectures with related illustrations and explanations from expert faculties get you going in your academic or professional areas.

Takshila Learning helps you anywhere and everywhere with learning about computers

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Latest Generations of Computer 1st to 5th | How many generations of computer

Today I’m going to show you an easy way to learn Latest Generations of Computer 1st to 5th with example and notes.

This Definition is best on the whole internet.

In this post-Explain different generations of Computer in detail.

I promise, after reading this definition you will not need to read any other definition. In fact, our reader’s satisfy in this blog post.

Computer generation talks a stepping technology.

It provides a framework for the growth of the computer industry originally the turn generation was used to distinguish between varying hardware technology.

Suggested video of Five Generations of computer for better understanding.

Latest & Current Generation of Computer

People are very confused about this topic, what is the latest generation of computers and laptops.

The 5th to 11th computer generation is the Current and latest generation of computers in 2021.

These generations of computers are easily available in the market and you can buy them from Amazon.

I hope you understand.

Generation of Computer 1st to 5th table

The generation of computer 1st to 5th table & chart is given below.

Computer Generation

Technology used

Computer name

Notebooks from IBM

How many generations of computers are there?

There are Five Generations of Computer. I Discuss the Generation of computers 1st to 5th with images.

First Generation of computer invented between the years 1940 to 1956. During the Second World War different countries had started developing computer to work fast.

1st Generation of computer used Vacuum Tubes technology.

The First generation electronic computer Mark – 1 and other of this time were made possible by the invention of V acuum Tubes which was the triangle glass device that could control and amplify electronic signals.

First generation computers were very large in size, they needed room to keep them.

Those vacuum tubes computers are effort as First Generation of the computer.

Image of first generations of computer is given below.

Image of Vacuum Tube

Advantages of first generations computer

1.) There are many advantages & features of first generation of computer.

2.) Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available during those days.

3.) Vacuum tubes technology made possible.

4.) These computers were the fastest calculating device of that time they could perform a calculation in milliseconds.

5.) First-generation of computer runs on the batch processing operating system.

6.) This generation used Punch Cards, Paper tape and Magnetic tape.

7.) This generation used Machine code as the programming language.

Disadvantages of the first-generations computer

There are many disadvantages to the first-generation computer is given below.

1.) To bulk in size.

2.) Need AC.

3.) No portable.

4.) Limited field used.

5.) Slow input and output devices.

6.) Consumed a large amount of electricity.

7.) These computers maintenance is required.

8.) These generations of computer were very costly.

9.) Commercial production was difficult and costly.

10.) First-generation computers were very large in size, and weight approx 30 tons.

11.) Thousands of vacuum tubes that were used emitted a large amount of heat and burn out frequency.

Example of first generations of computer

Some examples of the first generation of computers.

Vacuum tube technology was used in these computers is given below.

The second generations of the compute r invented in the year between 1956 to 1963 is said to the second-generation computer.

The second generation of computer was manufactured in using a T ransistor instead of vacuum tubes.

The second generations of computer were more powerful, more reliable, and less expensive smaller true operated then the first-generation computer.

The memory of the second generation computer was compared to magnetic core.

Magnetic disk and magnetic tape were the main memory storage media used in secondary memory.

The Transistors were smaller than the vacuum tube, and the Transistors were much faster than the vacuum tube in speed.

The computers used batch processing and multi programming operating system.

Picture of second generations of computer is given below.

Image of Transistors

Advantages and Disadvantages of second generations of computer

There are many Advantages and Disadvantages of second generations of computer.

Advantages of 2nd generations

D isadvantages of 2nd generation

Examples of second generations of computer

There is some Example of second generations of a computer of the, which are given below:

Third generation of computer advantage in electronic technology communicated and advantage of microelectronics technology may it possible to an integrated a large number of circuits elements into the very small surface of silicon known as a chip.

This new technology was called the Integrated Circuit (IC).

The third generation computer is smaller in size than the second generation of computer, and faster than the second generation compared to the speed.

Integrated circuits are also used in today’s computers.

Integrated circuits ( IC ) was invented by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby Scientist.

Image of Integrated Circuit ( IC )

Advantages of Third Generations of Computer

There are many advantages of 3rd Generations of computer.

Advantages of Third Generation Computer.

1. Cheaper than the older computer.

2. Can be easily replaced and maintained.

3. A decrease in size and weight.

4. The mouse and keyboard were used for input.

5. This generation of computer Very fast and resalable.

6. These Generation of computer consumed less electricity.

7. These generations of computer support high-level language.

8. The generation of this computer had the capacity to store large data.

9. This generation’s computer was much faster than the first and second-generation computers.

Disadvantages of Third Generations of Computer

There are many disadvantages of 3rd Generations of computer.

Examples of third-generations of computer

There is some Example of Third generations of a computer, which are given below:

Initially, the integrated circuit contained only about 10 to 20 components this technology was named small scale integrated (SSI).

The 4th generation of computer uses Microprocessor Technology.

Latter with an advantage in technology for manufacturing Integrated Circuit ( I.C ).

It becomes possible to integrate up to a hundred components into a single chip.

This technology can be known as Medium-scale integrated (M.S.I).

Then the come era of large scale integrated than it was possible to integrate over 5000 comments in a single chip.

It is accepted that more than one million components will be integrated or a single chip knows as Very large scale integration (VLSI) technology.

Fourth generation computers became more powerful and smaller in size and cheaper with the use of microprocessors.

The computer speed of this generation is much faster than the first, second and third generation computers.

In a Microprocessor, many transistors, resistors, and diodes work together.

This generation used time-sharing, real-time networks, distributed operating system.

Image of Microprocessor

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fourth Generations of computer

There are many advantages and disadvantages of 4th generations of computer.

Advantages of 4th generations of computer

1. Work with great speed.

2. Increase memory capacity.

3. A decrease in size and weight.

4. Very little maintenance is required.

5. Low in cost effort able to the common man.

6. Used microchips with technical know as V.LS.T.

7. No AC is required when we use the computer.

8. These generation of a computer were portable and reliable.

9. These generations of computer produce too low amount of heat.

10. All types of high-level languages support this type of computer.

11. Efficiently increased due to operating system and programming language.

12. This computer is capable of performing any calculation faster than the previous generation.

Disadvantages of Fourth Generations of Computer.

Examples of Fourth generations of computer

There is some Example of Fourth generations of a computer, which are given below:

5th Generation of computer is based on Artificial Intelligence.

It is used to make the microprocessor chip.

This chip contains ten million electronic components.

Use of this technology will also be in the future, and this technology will be updated from time to time.

This technology works on a parallel processing system, Google search engine also uses this technology.

This Generation made than a very useful of multimedia applications (Text, graphics, audio, video and animation).

Includes the various terms in artificial intelligence which are given below:

Image of Artificial Intelligence

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fifth Generations of computer

There are many advantages and disadvantages of 5th generations of computer.

Advantages of fifth generation of computer.

Disadvantages of Fifth generation of computer.

Example of 5th generations of computers

There are some Examples of Fifth-generation of computers, which are given below:

What are the 6 generations of computer?

The 6th generation of computer-based artificial neural networks and artificial human-level brain intelligence technology. Due to which computers think and do work by considering them like humans.

You can also control the 6th generation computer device from your mobile phone and the 6th generation computer has a voice recognition feature so that your computer recognizes your voice and you can also give any instruction to your computer from your voice.

FAQ Related to Computer Generations

Fourth and Fifth Generations of computer is best.

FORTRAN was the first generation of computer

No, because Fortran Language was created in 1957 by John Backus and the period of the first generation of computers till 1940 than 1956.

What is the latest laptop & Computer generation?

All laptops and computers that use artificial intelligence technology belong to the latest generation.

Who invented 5th generation computer?

The Fifth Generation of Computers was invented by James Maddox.

Which generation of computer we are using today?

Today we are using Fourth and Fifth generation of computer.

Which generation of computer is going on?

3rd to 11th generation of computers currently is running on.

What is 7th generation of computer?

The 7th generation of computers is a processor that Intel has introduced.

What is last generations of computer?

4th and 5th is the recent generation of computer.

13th generation computer in India.

There is currently no 13th generation of computers in India.

PC, tablets, palmtops laptops etc belongs to which generation.

These different types of computers belong to the 4th and 5th generation of computer.

The first generation of computer were small in size true or false.

False, because of the first generations of computer huge in size.

The first generation computers did not produce a lot of heat.

It’s wrong, the first-generation computer produced a large amount of heat.

In which generation computer will work without the users?

No generation of computers will work without users.

What is the period of first generation computer?

The period of the first generation was from 1940-1956.

Read Also Fundamental of Computer

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The Avinash Pandey

Hi, I’m The Avinash Pandey, founder of Quick Learn Computer. I graduated in Bachelor of Computer Applications and has two years of teaching experience in the computer science field. This blog helps you learn the fastest and easiest way to increase your computer skills.