generations of computer and basic information about the 5th Gen

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.