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Fourth Generation of Computers

The fourth generation of computers began in 1971 with the introduction of the microprocessor. It featured microprocessor-based systems using Very Large Scale Integrated circuits with up to 5000 transistors. All major programming languages were supported. Fourth generation computers were faster, smaller, cheaper and more energy efficient than previous models. They had larger storage and faster processing than third generation computers. Microcomputers also became more affordable and popular during this generation.

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Lynie Sollano II
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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
5K views10 pages

Fourth Generation of Computers

The fourth generation of computers began in 1971 with the introduction of the microprocessor. It featured microprocessor-based systems using Very Large Scale Integrated circuits with up to 5000 transistors. All major programming languages were supported. Fourth generation computers were faster, smaller, cheaper and more energy efficient than previous models. They had larger storage and faster processing than third generation computers. Microcomputers also became more affordable and popular during this generation.

Uploaded by

Lynie Sollano II
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Fourth Generation of Computers: This page serves as a cover page introducing the main topic of the document.
  • Introduction: Discusses the introduction of VLSI circuits and usage of high-level languages in fourth-generation computers.
  • Brief History: Covers the historical milestones, including the release of Intel's 4004 microprocessor and the transition from magnetic core memories.
  • Features: Describes the main features of fourth-generation computers such as microprocessor usage, network development, and memory improvements.
  • Advantages: Lists advantages of fourth-generation computers including size, cost, energy efficiency, and compatibility with high-level programming languages.
  • Weaknesses: Explores the weaknesses like the complexity of VLSI circuits and the need for complex technical skills.
  • Comparison with Other Generations: Compares fourth-generation computers with previous generations concerning hardware and technological advancements.
  • References: Provides reference links and video credits for further exploration of the topic.

FOURTH GENERATION

OF COMPUTERS
FOURTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS
INTRODUCTION

Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI)


circuits. VLSI circuits having about
5000 transistors.

All the high-level languages like C,


C++, DBASE, etc., were used in this
generation.
FOURTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS
BRIEF HISTORY

In 1971, Intel released the 4004


microprocessor and the Fourth Generation
of computers had begun. Magnetic core
memories were replaced by semiconductor
memories

Fourth generations of computer was used


between 1971-1980
FOURTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS
FEATURES
Microprocessor-based system that uses Very Large
Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits.
Microcomputers became the cheapest at this
generation.
Hand-held computer devices became more popular
and affordable
Networking between the systems was developed and
became of every day use in this generation.
Storage of memory and other storage devices has
increased in big amount.
FOURTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS
FEATURES
Outputs are now more reliable and accurate.
Processing power or speed has increased enormously.
With increment in the capacity of the storage systems
large programs were started to be in use
Great improvement in the hardware helped great
improvement in the output in screen, paper etc.
Size of the computer devices became such small that
even desktop computers were easily movable along
with portable computers such as laptops etc.

FOURTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS


ADVANTAGES

These computers were faster and reliable than their predecessors. It is


compact in size and could easily fit on a desk.
The Fourth-generation computers were somewhat cheaper than
previous generations' computers. These computers were more energy-
efficient than third-generation computers, and the heat produced was
almost negligible. In this generation, the air conditioning system for the
computer was not very much needed
FOURTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS
ADVANTAGES

The production for commercial as well as personal use was easier and
cheaper
General purposes
Larger storage capacity than third-generation computers
Almost all high-level programming languages were supported in
fourth-generation computers.
FOURTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS
WEAKNESSES
The construction of VLSI circuits required highly sophisticated
technology.
Fourth-generation computers require fans to cool the internal
components. the fan generated disturbing noises when in high usage.
Complex microprocessors and required high technical skills.
Computers were highly sophisticated
Fourth-generation computers still used integrated circuits and hence
advanced technology was needed to make them.
HOW 4TH GEN. COMPUTERS DIFFER FROM OTHER GEN. OF
COMPUTERS?
fifth generation of
First-generation 3rd generation
computers which
computers started computers started
started in the present
in the year the 1940s in the 1960s and
time until in the future,
and ended in the ended in the 1970s
4th generation it uses artificial
year 1950s and their 2nd generation of and their hardware
computers started in intelligence type of
hardware is vacuum computers started in is based on an
the 1970s and up until processors.
tube based. the year the 1950s integrated circuit.
the present time and

and ended in the


their hardware is
1960s and it is
microprocessor
transistor-based
based.
hardware.
References:

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_fourth_generation.htm
https://opentextbc.ca/computerstudies/chapter/classification-of-generations-of-computers/
https://onlineclassnotes.com/what-are-the-characteristics-of-fourth-generation-computers/
https://generalnote.com/Basic-computer/Fourth-Generation-of-computer.php
https://tutsmaster.org/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-fourth-generation-of-computer-2/

Video Credits (for infomercial)

GCFLearnFree.org, 2020 September 3. Computer Basics: Protecting Your Computer


[Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mMZFoXbKqI

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