Computer generation, I Generation, II Generation, III Generation, IV Generation, V Generation, Thermionic value, Transistor, Integrated circuit, Large scale integrated circuit, Very large scale integrated circuit

1. Computer Generation
By
Dr. I. Uma Maheswari,
Email id: iuma_maheswari@yahoo.co.in

2. Computer Generation
Generation Switching device Period
I Generation
II Generation
III Generation
IV Generation
V Generation
Thermionic valve
Transistor
Integrated circuits
Large Scale integrated and
very large scale Integrated
circuits
Artificial Intelligence
1949 - 55
1956 – 60
1961 – 65
1965 - 75
1975 onwards

3. First Generation
 Used Thermionic valves and programming was done in
machine languages.
 Very big sizes and expensive programming was very difficult.
 Used the concept of stored program.

4. Had the following limitations:
 Slow operating speed and restricted computing capacity.
 High power consumption and short life span.
 Very large space requirement.
 Limited programming capabilities.

5. Second Generation:
 It began with the advent of transistorized circuitry, invention of
magnetic core to memory storage and high level languages like
Fortran, Cobol, ALGOL etc.

6.  Nearly 80% of the computers so far installed were used in business
and industry and almost all used batch-processing mode.
 Transistors replaced the valves completely, as they were far superior
in performance on account of their miniature size, smaller power
consumption and heat production rate.

7. Third Generation:
 Integrated circuit consisting of transistors resistors and
capacitor synthesized on a single chip is the characteristic of
third generation of computers.
 This eliminated use of lengthy circuit wires.

8.  Many online computerized systems became
feasible, like airline reservation, interactive query
and real-time closed loop process central
system.
 Third generation computers had integrated
transistor circuits (IC) having higher speed, larger
storage capacities and lower prices.
 These computers were called mini computers.

9. Fourth Generation:
 The development of microprocessor made it possible to place
complete control over processing unit of a computer on
chip.

10.  Very large scale integrated circuits having about 50000
transistors on a chip, made it possible to have
microcomputers of fourth generation.
 Memory size increased up to 16 megabytes.

11. Fifth Generation:
 The fifth generation is yet to come in actual shape although
people are already working.
 The fifth generation is the story of the new super-breed of
computers now being planned by the Japanese.

12.  These computers will contain bits of information
and will be able to think and make decisions and
in certain instances better than human beings.
 The fifth generation machines, called knowledge
information processing systems (KIPS) will work
as amplifier of human thought and intelligence.
 The entire world is likely to become dependent
on these machines for greater efficiency