The document discusses the five generations of computers from the 1940s to present. The first generation used vacuum tubes and magnetic drums, were large in size, and operated slowly. The second generation introduced transistors, were smaller with less heat, and operated at microsecond speeds. The third generation used integrated circuits, were smaller still with assembly level programming and nanosecond processors. The fourth generation used microprocessors, high-level languages, and operated at picosecond speeds. The fifth generation aims to develop artificial intelligence with natural language and self-learning capabilities.

1. Dr B T Sampath Kumar
Professor
Department of Library and Information Science
Tumkur University, Tumakuru, INDIA
www.sampathkumar.info
Generations of Computer

2. Generations of computers
• A computer is an electronic device that
manipulates information or data.
• It has the ability to store, retrieve and process
data.
• Computer can be used to type text, send
email, play games and browse the Web.

3. Cont..
• It can also be used to edit or create
spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.
• The evolution of this complex system started
around 1940’s with the first generation of
Computer and evolving ever since.
• There are five generations of computers.

4. First generation
(1940-1956)
• These early computers used vacuum tubes as
circuitry and magnetic drums for memory.
• These were inefficient materials which
generated a lot of heat.
• Consumed huge electricity and subsequently
generated a lot of heat.
• Comparatively larger in size as compared to
present day computers.

5. Cont..
• These were relied on machine language.
• These were limited to solve one problem at a
time.
• Input was based on punched cards and paper
tape.
• The two notable machines of this era were the
UNIVAC and ENIAC machines.
• Processor operated in the millisecond speed.

6. Second generation
(1956 – 1963)
• The vacuum tubes were replaced by
transistors.
• Smaller in size compared to the first
generation computers.
• Generated a lower level of heat, as
components were much smaller.
• Higher capacity of internal storage.
• Processor operated in the microsecond speed.

7. Third generation
(1964 – 1971)
• The development of the Integrated Circuit
(IC) was the hallmark of the third generation
of computers.
• Smaller in size as compared to second
generation computers.

8. Cont..
• Assembly language was used for
programming.
• Processors, which operated in nanoseconds
speed range.
• Higher capacity internal storage.

9. Fourth generation
(1972 – 2010)
• The fourth generation computers were
developed by using microprocessor technology.
• High-level languages were used for
programming.
• Fast processing with less power consumption.

10. Cont..
• Smaller in size and used for commercial
production.
• They are much faster and accuracy became
more reliable.
• Processors, which operate in Picoseconds
speed range.

11. Fifth generation
(2010-)
• Fifth generation computing devices, based
on artificial intelligence.
• They are still in development, though there
are some applications, such as voice
recognition, that are being used today.
• The goal of fifth-generation computing is to
develop devices that respond to natural
language input and are capable of learning
and self-organization.

12. Cont..
• This generation is based on ULSI (Ultra Large
Scale Integration) technology.
• Solve highly complex problem including
decision making, logical reasoning.