Generations of Computer

1940-1956: 1st Generation (Vacuum Tubes) – General Computer Awareness for Bank Exams

First generation computers used vacuum tubes as components of memory and relied on ‘machine language’ (the most basic programming language). A vacuum tube is a sealed glass tube containing a near-vacuum which allows the free passage of electric current.

  • These computers were limited to solving one problem at a time.
  • No monitors were there! Output was released in printouts! (Monitors appeared in 3rd generation of computers!)
  • Input was based on punched cards and paper tape.
  • ENIAC (Electronic Numeric Integrated and Calculator) was the world’s 1st successful electronic computer which was developed by the two scientists namely J. P. Eckert and J. W. Mauchy.
  • Other first generation computers were UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer), EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator), EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) and LEO (Lyons Electronic Office)

1956-1963: 2nd Generation (Transistors) – General Computer Awareness for Bank Exams

The thing that upgraded the entire generation of computers to a more advanced system was – transistor. Invented in 1947, it converts electronic signals and electrical power. Transistors made computers smaller, faster, cheaper and less heavy on electricity use.

  • The speed of a computer’s performance depends on the speed of transistors.
  • In other words, the faster the transistors, the faster the computer.
  • The 2nd generation computers still relied on punched cards for input/printouts like 1st generation.
  • The symbolic language (assembly language) was developed and the programmers could create instructions in words.
  • High-level programming languages – early versions of COBOL* and FORTRAN** – were also developed.

*COBOL – Common Business-Oriented Language: a compiled English-like computer programming language designed for business use.
**FORTRAN – Formula Translation: a language for scientific, engineering and numerical computation.

1964-1971: 3rd Generation (Integrated Circuits) – General Computer Awareness

  • With the invention of Integrated Circuits – the small circuits which can perform the functions of a larger circuit, transistors were miniaturized and put on silicon chips.
  • The 3rd  generation computers were the first computers where users interacted using keyboards and monitors (and interfaced with an operating system).
  • This enabled these machines to run several applications at once.
  • Functions were based on monitor memory.

1972-2010: 4th Generation (Microprocessors) – General Computer Awareness for Bank Exams

The Intel 4004 chip was developed in 1971, which positioned all computer components (CPU, memory, input/output controls) onto one single chip!

  • The Intel 4004 was developed by Ted Hoff.
  • These microprocessors allowed to make computers of smaller size with speedy and efficient processing.

2010 onwards: 5th Generation (Artificial Intelligence) – General Computer Awareness

  • The intelligent machines who can work like humans, or better.
  • SIRI of iPhones, automatic cars, robots serving various purposes, all of them are part of this generation.
  • Artificial intelligence today is properly known as narrow AI (or weak AI)
  • It is designed to perform a specified task like driving or solving complex mathematical equations.
  • General AI or strong AI is the aim of today’s world where machines can perform many functions like humans.