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.