The document outlines the five generations of computers, detailing their technology, time periods, and characteristics. From the vacuum tube-based first generation to the ultra large scale integration technology of the fifth generation, it highlights key advancements and features that define each era. The evolution reflects major improvements in reliability, cost, size, power consumption, and the introduction of artificial intelligence.

1. Computer Generations

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Computer Generations
Generation in computer terminology is a change in
technology a computer is/was being used. Initially, the
generation term was used to distinguish between varying
hardware technologies. But nowadays, generation
includes both hardware and software, which together
make up an entire computer system.
There are totally five computer generations known till date. Each
generation has been discussedin detail along with their time
period, characteristics. We've used approximate dates
against each generations which are normally accepted.

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Following are the main five generations of computers
First Generation The period of first generation : 1942-1954. Vaccum tube
based.
Second Generation The period of second generation : 1952-1964. Transistor
based.
Third Generation The period of third generation : 1964-1972. Integrated Circuit
based.
Fourth Generation The period of fourth generation : 1972-1990. VLSI
microprocessor based.
Fifth Generation The period of fifth generation : 1990-onwards.ULSI
microprocessor based

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First Generation
The period of first generation was 1942-1954.
First generation of computer started with using vacuum tubes as
the basic components for memory and circuitry for
CPU(Central Processing Unit). These tubes like electric bulbs
produced a lot of heat and were prone to frequent fusing of
the installations, therefore, were very expensive and could be
afforded only by very large organisations.
In this generation mainly batch processing operating system
were used. In this generation Punched cards, Paper tape,
Magnetic tape Input & Output device were used.
There were Machine code and electric wired board languages
used.

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First Generation Computer

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The main features of First Generation are :
Vacuum tube technology
i. Unreliable
ii. Supported Machine language only
iii. Very costly
iv. Generate lot of heat
v. Slow Input/Output device
vi. Huge size
vii. Need of A.C.
viii.Non portable
ix. Consumed lot of electricity

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Some computer of this generation were:
i. ENIAC
ii. EDVAC
iii. UNIVAC
iv. IBM-701
v. IBM-650

8. Computer Generations
Second Generation

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Second Generation
The period of second generation was 1952-1964.
This generation using the transistor were cheaper,
consumed less power, more compact in size, more
reliable and faster than the first generation machines
made of vaccum tubes.In this generation, magnetic
cores were used as primary memory and magnetic tape
and magnetic disks as secondary storage devices.
In this generation assembly language and high level
programming language like FORTRAN, COBOL were
used.
There were Batch processing and Multiprogramming
Operating system used.

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Second Generation Computer

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The main features of Second Generation are:
i. Use of transistors
ii. Reliable as compared to First generation computers
iii. Smaller size as compared to First generation computers
iv. Generate less heat as compared to First generation
computers
v. Consumed less electricity as compared to First generation
computers
vi. Faster than first generation computers
vii. Still very costly
viii. A.C. needed
ix. Support machine and assmebly languages

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Some computer of this generation were:
i. IBM 1620
ii. IBM 7094
iii. CDC 1604
iv. CDC 3600
v. UNIVAC 1108

13. Computer Generations
Third Generation

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Third Generation
The period of third generation was 1964-1972.
The third generation of computer is marked by the use of
Integrated Circuits (IC's) in place of transistors.A single
I.C has many transistors, resistors and capacitors along
with the associated circuitry.The I.C was invented by
Jack Kilby. This development made computers smaller
in size, reliable and efficient.
In this generation Remote processing, Time-sharing, Real-
time, Multi-programming Operating System were used.
High level language (FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL,
PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68 etc.) were used
during this generation.

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Third Generation Computer

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The main features of Third Generation are:
 IC used
 More reliable
 Smaller size
 Generate less heat
 Faster
 Lesser maintenance
 Still costly
 A.C needed
 Consumed lesser electricity

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Some computer of this generation were:
i. IBM-360 series
ii. Honeywell-6000 series
iii. PDP(Personal Data Processor)
iv. IBM-370/168
v. TDC-316

18. Computer Generations
Fourth Generation

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Fourth Generation
The period of Fourth Generation was 1972-1990.
The fourth generation of computers is marked by the use of Very
Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits.VLSI circuits having
about 5000 transistors and other circuit elements and their
associated circuits on a single chip made it possible to have
microcomputers of fourth generation. Fourth Generation
computers became more powerful, compact, reliable, and
affordable. As a result, it gave rise to personal computer (PC)
revolution.
In this generation Time sharing, Real time, Networks, Distributed
Operating System were used.
All the Higher level languages like C and C++, DBASE etc. were
used in this generation.

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Fourth Generation Computer

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The main features of Fourth Generation are:
i. VLSI technology used
ii. Very cheap
iii. Portable and reliable
iv. Use of PC's
v. Very small size
vi. Pipeline processing
vii. No A.C. needed
viii. Concept of internet was introduced
ix. Great developments in the fields of networks
x. Computers became easily available

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Some computer of this generation were:
i. DEC 10
ii. STAR 1000
iii. PDP 11
iv. CRAY-1(Super Computer)
v. CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)

23. Computer Generations
Fifth Generation

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Fifth Generation
The period of Fifth Generation is 1990-till date.
In the fifth generation, the VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra
Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the
production of microprocessor chips having ten million
electronic components.
This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI
(Artificial Intelligence) software.
AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which interprets
means and method of making computers think like human
beings.
All the Higher level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc.
are used in this generation.

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Fifth Generation
AI includes:
i. Robotics
ii. Neural networks
iii. Game Playing
iv. Development of expert systems to make decisions in
real life situations.
v. Natural language understanding and generation.

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Fifth Generation Computer

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The main features of Fifth Generation are:
i. ULSI technology
ii. Development of true artificial intelligence
iii. Development of Natural language processing
iv. Advancement in Parallel Processing
v. Advancement in Superconductor technology
vi. More user friendly interfaces with multimedia features
vii. Availability of very powerful and compact computers at
cheaper rates

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Some computer of this generation were:
i. Desktop
ii. Laptop
iii. NoteBook
iv. UltraBook