Each generation of computer I characterized by a major technological development that fundamentally changed the computers operates resulting increasingly smaller , cheaper , more powerful and efficient and reliable devices.
1. First Generation (1940-1956): VacuumTubes the first computer used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory and were often enormous,talking up entire rooms. There were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great deal of electricity generated a lot of heat which was often the cause of malfunction first generation computers relied on machine language to perform operations and they could only solve one problem at a time imput was based on punched cards and paper tapes and output was displayed on print outs exdamples of first generation computers are UNIVAC, LEO and ENIAC
2. Second Generation (1956-1963) Transitor: trnsitors replaced vacuums tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers . the transistor was invented in 1947, but did not see widespread use in computers until the late 50s the transistors was far superior to the vacuum tubes allowing computers to become smaller , faster , cheaper, more energy efficient and more reliable than the first generation predecessors. Through the transistor still generated a great deal of heat that subjected the computer to damage, it was a vast improvement over the vacuum tube . second generation computers still relied on punch cardws for inputs and printout for output. second generation computers moved from cryptic machine language to symbolic or assembly language, which allow programmers to specify instructions in words . it was in this era that high level compillers was made available programming language like BASIC, FORTRAN COBOL e.t.c . came out.
3. Third Generation (1963- 1971)Intergreted circuit: the development of the intergrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generations of computers ,transistor were miniaturized and placed on silicons chip, called semiconductor which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of omputers . instead of punched cards and printouts , users interacted with third generation computers through keybord and montors and interface with an operating system , which allowed the device to run many differents application at one time with a central programthat monitored the memory. IBM360 was introduced
4. Fourth Generation (1971-1991) Microprocessors, the microproceessors brought the fourth generation of computers as thousands of integrated were built onto a single silicon chip. what in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand . The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1991 located all the components of the computers – from the centrals processing unit and memory to input / output controls on a single chip. As these small computers becames more powerful they could be linked together to form networks,