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A computer can be simply defined as a machine that can calculate. However, modern computers are no longer just computing devices. They can perform a variety of tasks. When they were first introduced, computers were massive and could fill an entire room. In 1833, Charles Babbage invented the first calculator called the “arbitrage instrument”. Over time, computers have become more powerful, as well as smaller. Technology changed significantly through the different generations of computers over the years.
Generations of Computers
There are five generations of computers. These are:
First Generation
Second Generation
Third Generation
Fourth Generation
Fifth Generation
Computers of First Generation (1940 to 1956)
The first-generation computer was a fragile device. It was made of glass and the central technology was a vacuum tube. The computers of this generation were heavy and bulky. The main purpose was storage, computing, and control. The machines were huge and occupied entire rooms. They also used a lot of electricity.
Computers of the first generation conducted operations using machine language, a low-level programming language. It sometimes took days or even weeks before the operator could pose a new problem. The input was based on a punch card and paper strip, and output was displayed on a printout. ENIAC, EDVAC, and UNIVAC were the main computers of this generation.
Computers of Second Generation (1956 to 1963)
Second-generation computers were developed using transistor technology instead of vacuum tubes. The size of the computers was smaller, and the calculation time was also shorter compared with computers of the first generation.
Bell Labs invented the transistor. The use of transistors helped the computers perform powerfully and quickly. The second-generation computers introduced programming language, CPU, memory, input, and output units. FORTRAN, ALGOL, and COBOL were the languages used for programming in this era.
Computers of Third Generation (1964 to 1971)
Third-generation computers were developed using integrated circuit (IC) technology. The size of the third-generation computer was smaller than that of the second-generation computer. Compared with the second-generation computer, the calculation time was also much shorter. Third-generation computers consumed less power and generated less heat. Maintenance costs were also low. In this generation of computers, semiconductors were used. This increased efficiency and speed. For the very first time, computers became accessible to a large audience because they were smaller and cheaper.
Computers of Fourth Generation (1971 – Present)
Microprocessor technology was used for the development of the fourth-generation computer. The advantage of this technology is that a single microprocessor chip can hold all the required circuits to perform logic, arithmetic, as well as control functions. The Fourth Generation computers are small and portable. A very low amount of heat is generated. They are also more user-friendly and are capable of multiprocessing, multiprogramming, etc. Computers of this generation have a semiconductor memory. The fourth-generation brought the concept of private computers and computer networks. Some examples of fourth-generation computers are STAR 1000, IBM PC, APPLE II, Alter 8800, etc.
Computers of Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond)
The period from 2010 to the present is roughly considered the period of the fifth-generation computers. These computers use AI-based technology, which is commonly used in speech recognition, medical science, and the entertainment industry. Fifth-generation computers give high performance and have a high storage capacity. The computers are fast and can perform multiple tasks at one time. Popular fifth-generation advanced technologies include quantum computing, nanotechnology, and parallel processing. Desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc, are examples of fifth-generation computers.
Conclusion
Now, you know the different generations of computers, from the First generation to the Fifth generation, and the growth, development, and progress of technology over the years. We are currently using fifth-generation computers. The development and change in technologies can be seen from the First Generation to the Fifth Generation. The computers of each generation were a better version of their predecessors. Today, computers are small in size and are portable.
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