PSC Computer Exam Support - What is Generations of Computer? Explain It's Features, Technology Used with Examples

Generation of computers

A generation of computer refers to the state of improvement in the development of computer system. In terms of technological developments over times, computer has been broadly classified into five generations. A major technological development that fundamentally has changed the way computer operate, resulting in increasingly smaller, cheaper, more powerful and more efficient and reliable devices characterize each generation of computer. The generation of computer can be classified by the device used in memory and processor.

1.      First generation (1946-1955) [Vacuum tubes/thermionic valves]

Technology used	Vacuum tubes
Input	Punched cards
Output	Punched cards
Language	Machine language
Storage	Punched paper tape

Examples of first generation of computer are: ENIAC, EDSAC, UNIVAC I, Honeywell Datamatic 1000, IBM 701, 702 etc.

2.      Second generation (1956-1965) [Transistor/electronic switching device]

Technology used	Transistors
Input	Punched cards
Output	Paper
Language	Assembly language
Storage	Magnetic cores

Examples of second generation of computer are: UNIVAC 1107, RCA 501, Honeywell 800, 400 series, LARC etc.

3.      Third generation (1964-1975) [integrated circuit, LSI and MSI]

Technology used	Integrated circuits
Input	Keyboard
Output	Monitor
Language	High level language
Storage	Improved disk storage

Examples of third generation of computer are: Honeywell 200, IBM system/360, UNIVAC 9000 series GE 600, GE 235 etc.

4.      Fourth generation (1975-Current) [VLSI, Microprocessor]

Technology used	Very large scale integrated circuits (VLSICs), Microprocessor
Input	Keyboard/mouse/scanner
Output	Monitor
Language	High level language, non procedural language
Storage	Hard disk

Examples of fourth generation of computer are: IBM system 2090, IBM RISC 6000, Cray 2 XMP, HP 9000 etc.

5.      Fifth generation (Coming generation) [Artificial intelligence, neural network, expert system, ULSI]

These computers are incomplete. Researchers are going on the development of this computer. These computers will have been developed that will be able to converse with people and will able to mimic human sense, manual skill, and intelligence. For this purpose the concept of artificial intelligence is being used. Researchers are planning to produce bio-chips also called organic chip that are to be used in fifth generation computers.

Examples of fifth generation of computer are: ICOT program in Japan, DARPA project in USA, Intelligent knowledge based system (IKBS), Expert System [MYCIN, XCON, ELIZA, DENDRAL]

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