Characteristics of Fourth Generation Computers

Computers have grown in popularity in this age due to the low prices at which they are sold. Apart from that, the qualities of fourth-generation computers have aided in the development of the personal computer (PC) revolution. The microprocessor is designed and developed with the assistance of VLSI [Very Large Scale Integrated] chips, which are used in conjunction with one another. Microprocessors benefit from integrating hundreds of thousands of components into a single silicon chip, which allows for improved and enhanced performance.

What are the Fourth Generations of Computers?

VLSI chips have altered the structure of the current processor; now, more than 40,000 thousand small electronic components may be combined into a single silicon chip, resulting in improved and enhanced performance of the CPUs. VLSI chips have changed the structure of the modern processor. This current processor is extremely fast, and as a result, it can easily manage a GUI [Graphical User Interface] based operating system as its primary task.

The graphical user interface (GUI) improved the user-friendliness of the operating system because the mouse and other pointing devices were utilized to run the system more convincingly. In addition, they can accomplish arithmetic and logical operations and tasks at exceptional speeds and with incredible accuracy. As well as providing superior processing capability, current microprocessors have also greatly decreased the cost, size, and energy consumption of a modern and advanced computer system, which was welcome news compared to the previous system.

It was simple to connect to another computer in a network while using a modern computer with an advanced operating system already installed. This fourth generation of computers was programmed in high-level programming languages such as c, c++, java, etc.

What are the primary characteristics of the fourth generation of computers?

The following section contains a list of the characteristics of computers from the Fourth Generation:

• Microprocessors are used in the construction of these computers. They are incredible machines that are tremendously faster than anything else available.
• Even though they are more advanced than their predecessors, they are nevertheless not prohibitively pricey.
• They are really simple to handle and operate.
• They operate extremely well with graphical user interface (GUI) based operating systems that can accomplish numerous tasks simultaneously.
• They work with high-level programming languages such as Python, Java, C, C++, Visual Basic, and other similar languages and frameworks.
• They are very simple to operate and are also more convenient to maintain.
• They were the most dependable devices available at the time.
• When compared to their competitors, they did not generate an excessive amount of heat.
• Computers in the fourth generation are small and compact in design. As a result, it may be installed in a tiny space.
• VLSI Chips were employed in the creation of microprocessors and other electronic devices.
• With the use of a modern computer with an improved operating system, it is now possible to join two or more computers together quite easily with network technology.
• The evolution of information technology has resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of the product and the capacity of storage units.
• They are easily transportable. As a result, they can be moved from one site to another.
• Their replacement components are not prohibitively expensive and are easily available on the market today.
• All of the various peripherals are connected to a single board, referred to as a Motherboard.
• These machines, which are outfitted with high-capacity data storage devices, can store vast amounts of information.
• Because of their exceptional characteristics, they are utilized virtually daily for both personal and professional purposes. This is the most distinguishing feature of the fourth generation of computer systems.

Fourth-generation computer systems have several advantages.

• They include both business and personal-use computers and electronic devices.
• They are compatible with virtually any high-level programming language.
• They are reasonably priced.
• They do not generate any heat. This means that they do not require the use of an air conditioner for cooling purposes.
• They are easily transportable.
• These machines can be operated by ordinary people with little or no computer knowledge or skill.
• They are extremely dependable machines.
• They are fitted with a cutting-edge operating system for maximum performance.
• Their hardware is of really high grade.
• Daily developments occur, and as a result, they are constantly updating themselves.

Some of the disadvantages of fourth-generation computers are discussed in detail below:

• The production of VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) chips necessitated the use of extremely modern technology.
• Another limitation of these computers was that they were quite clever.
• It was necessary to have a fan to keep the system cool.
• In addition, advanced technical knowledge was required for the manufacture of microprocessors.
• Integrated circuits (ICs) manufacturing can be accomplished by using a high-quality and reliable system or technology.

Conclusion

Computers of the fourth generation got more powerful, more compact, more reliable, and more affordable. As a result, this event ushered in the Personal Computer (PC) revolution. This generation of computer users employed time-sharing, real-time networks, and a distributed operating system. This generation extensively used high-level programming languages such as C, C++, DBASE, and others. VLSI (Very Large Scale Integrated) circuits were employed in the fourth generation computers and beyond. Microcomputers of the fourth generation were made possible by using VLSI circuits, which contained approximately 5000 transistors and other circuit parts and their associated circuits, on a single chip.