Generation of Computers

By: Travis Morales

1st Generation

The period of the first generation was 1946-1959. The first generation of computers used
vacuum tubes as the basic components of memory and CPU (central processing unit) circuits.
These tubes, like light bulbs, generate a lot of heat and are used in appliances that blow
frequently. Therefore, they are very expensive and only large organizations can afford them. This
generation mainly uses batch operating systems. Punch cards, paper tape and magnetic tape are
used as input and output devices. This generation of computers uses machine code as a
programming language.

Some computers of this generation were −

 ENIAC
 EDVAC
 UNIVAC
 IBM-701
 IBM-650
2nd Generation

The period of the second generation was 1959-1965. The transistors used in this generation are
cheaper, consume less power, are more compact, more reliable and faster than the first
generation vacuum tube devices. In this generation, magnetic cores are used as primary storage
and tapes and disks are used as secondary storage devices.

This generation used assembly language and high-level programming languages such as
FORTRAN and COBOL. Computers use batch processing and multiprogramming operating
systems.

Some computers of this generation were −

 IBM 1620
 IBM 7094
 CDC 1604
 CDC 3600
 UNIVAC 1108
3rd Generation

The period of the third generation was 1965-1971. Third generation computers used integrated
circuits (ICs) instead of transistors. A single IC has many transistors, resistors and capacitors and
their associated circuits.

The IC was invented by Jack Kilby. These changes have made computers smaller, more reliable,
and more efficient. This generation used remote, time-sharing, multi-program operating systems.
This generation used high-level languages (FORTRAN-II to IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1,
BASIC, ALGOL-68, etc.).

Some computers of this generation were −

 IBM-360 series
 Honeywell-6000 series
 PDP (Personal Data Processor)
 IBM-370/168
 TDC-316
4th Generation

Fourth Generation Computers (post 1972): This generation uses VLSI (Very Large Scale
Integrated Circuits) or they are called microprocessors. Microprocessor chips consist of hundreds
of integrated circuits built on a single silicon chip. The use of personal computers (PCs)
improved during this generation, and IBM developed the first personal computers (PCs). For
example, Apple, CRAY-1, etc.
5th Generation

???-??? Fifth generation computers use all high-level languages. The main goal of the fifth
generation is to create machines that can learn and organize themselves. Artificial intelligence
and parallel processing hardware are at the core of this generation of computing, and artificial
intelligence includes terms like robotics, neural networks, and more.
Supercomputers

Supercomputer – a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great
amount of computation very quickly.

Supercomputers are used for areas related to:

 Science
 Engineering
 Education
 Defence
 Aerospace

Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:

 Weather forecasting
 Climate research
 Scientific simulation
 Oil and gas exploration
 Quantum mechanics
 Cryptanalysis
Mainframe computers

Mainframe computer – a high-performance computer used for large information processing

jobs.

Mainframe computers are primarily used in :

 Institutions
 Research
 Academics
 Health care
 Libraries
 Large businesses
 Financial institutions
 Stock brokerage firms
 Insurance agencies

Mainframe computers are useful for tasks related to:

 Census taking
 Industry and consumer statistics
 Enterprise resource planning
 Transaction processing
 e-business and e-commerce
Minicomputers

Minicomputer – a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage

capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer.

Minicomputers are used by small organizations.

“Minicomputer” is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers are often
referred to as small or midsize servers (a server is a central computer that provides information
to other computers).
Personal computers

Personal computer (PC) – a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.

A PC or microcomputer uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its central processing unit
(CPU).

“Microcomputer” is now primarily used to mean a PC, but it can refer to any kind of small
computer, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, or wearable.

Types of personal computers

Desktop computer – a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on or
under a desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit).

Laptop computer (or notebook) – A portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on
the user’s lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard
with a touchpad.
Tablet – A wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average
laptop.

Smartphone – A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer.