Computer Generation
Computer Generation
Computers categorized into several types based on generations and based on size of computers. Both types
of categories work well up to now. The major four types of Computer Generations. Some of the computers
occupying large buildings those can connect huge number of computers.
1. Super computer
2. Mainframe Computer
3. Minicomputer
4. Microcomputer
1. First Generation
2. Second Generation
3. Third Generation
4. Fourth Generation
5. Fifth Generation
First Generation Computers were working during the 1940-1956 with proper maintenance of Vacuum Tubes
on those computers. Vacuum Tubes most useful to process the data in memory. First generation computers
use more power from electricity and that produce high heat. Those devices vulnerable to the attacks and get
malfunctions. First generation computers perform several operations bit those take more time due to the
simple programming skills. Those types of computers take the input from punched cads and give output to
the users on screens. The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer design with vacuums tubes in first
generation in U.S that developed to use at U.S. census Bureau.
Second Generation Computers:
Second Generation computers were working in between the 1956-1963 with Transistors. It little bit better
than first generation computers. Actually, this type invented in the year of 1947 but that came to existence
after 1950. The size of the computers decreases than first generation and available with cheap cost. Second-
generation computers maintain binary and assembly level languages. The famous high level languages
COBOL, FORTRAN and etc developed in second generation computers. Second generation computers
designed for atomic energy industry.
Third Generation Computers:
Third generation computers were working during the 1964-1971 with Integrated Circuits those IC’s placed
at the place of transistors. IC’s maintain transistors along with the silicon chips and semiconductors. They
can increase the system performance and efficiency. This generation computers use keyboard and
Operating system those provide high efficiency to the users.
Fourth Generation Computers:
Fourth generation computers are working from 1971 that work with the Microprocessors. It consists of
several IC’s and places them in single environment to complete operations quickly. It has proper input and
output controls so, number of people are working with fourth generation computers. This generation design
by the IBM Company in 1981 and Apple Company by 1984. Fourth generation computers occupy limited
space.
Fifth Generation Computer:
Fifth generation computers are in designing mode with Artificial Intelligence technology. The major
applications will go to install in fifth generation computers those are voice reorganization techniques and
parallel processing techniques. Those may be useful to the nano technology, quantum technology and etc.
Fifth generation computing devices offer self learning and self-organization features to the users.