How Many Generations a Computer Can be Classified

Introduction:

Fifth-generation computers are currently available. Computer generations have changed as technology advances. With each new generation, computer circuitry, size and components have shrunk in size, processing and speed have doubled, memory has increased, and usability and reliability have improved. The dates given for each generation are tentative and uncertain. Generations are actually based on advances in chip technology rather than a specific time frame.

Computer generations are classified into five types:

First Generation of Computers: 1940s-1950s: (Vacuum Tubes and Plugboards):

The first generation computers ran from 1940-1956 with proper maintenance of the vacuum tubes in these computers. Vacuum tubes are most useful for processing data in memory. First-generation computers draw more power from electricity, so they generate a lot of heat. These devices are vulnerable to attack and failure. First-generation computers do many things but take longer due to simpler programming techniques. These types of computers receive data from punched cards and display it on the user's screen. UNIVAC was the first commercial first-generation vacuum tube computer in the United States developed for use by the United States Census Bureau.

First generation main computer:

• ENIAC: The electronic numerical integrator and computer created by J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly was a general-purpose computer. It was very heavy and large and contained 18,000 vacuum tubes.

• EDVAC: A discrete variable electronic automaton developed by von Neumann. Data as well as commands can be stored, which increases speed.

Second Generation Computers: Transistors (1956-1963):

The second generation of transistor-powered computers was between 1956 and 1963. This is slightly better than the 1st generation computers. This type was invented in 1947 but only appeared after 1950. The computers are smaller than the first generation and are available at a low cost. Second-generation computers support binary and assembly language. The popular high-level languages COBOL, FORTRAN, etc. were developed for the second generation of computers. A second-generation computer designed for nuclear power.

Third Generation Computers: Integrated Circuits. (1964-1971)

Third-generation computers worked with integrated circuits during 1964-1971 and these ICs were placed in the place of transistors. ICs support transistors along with silicon chips and semiconductors. It can improve system performance and efficiency. Computers of this generation use keyboards and operating systems that provide users with high efficiency.

Fourth Generation Computers: Micro-processors (1971-Present)

Fourth-generation computers have been around since 1971 and work with microprocessors. It consists of several ICs and places them in a single environment for fast operation. Many people work with 4th generation computers as they have proper input and output management. This generation was developed by IBM in 1981 and by Apple in 1984. 4th generation computers take up limited space.

Fifth Generation Computers:

The Fifth generation computer is in AI design mode. The main applications to be installed in the 5th generation computer are voice reconstruction and parallel processing. Can be useful for nanotechnology, quantum technology, etc. Fifth-generation computing devices provide users with self-learning and self-organising capabilities.

Conclusion:

Fifth-generation computers are currently available:

• 1st generation computer = 1st generation period: 1946-1959 Based on vacuum tubes.

• 2nd generation computer = 2nd generation period: 1959-1965 based on transistors.

• 3rd generation computer = 3rd generation period: 1965-1971 based on integrated circuits.

• 4th generation computer = 4th generation period: 1971-1980 Microprocessor-based VLSI.

• 5th generation computer = 5th generation era: 1980s. It is based on the ULSI microprocessor.