First Generation (1940-1956) Vacuum Tubes

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory, and were often enormous,
taking up entire rooms. They were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great deal of electricity,
generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.
First generation computers relied on machine language, the lowest-level programming language understood by
computers, to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was based on punched
cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.
The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generation computing devices. The UNIVAC was the
first commercial computer delivered to a business client, the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.

Second Generation (1956-1963) Transistors
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers. The transistor was
invented in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until the late 1950s. The transistor was far
superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and
more reliable than their first-generation predecessors. Though the transistor still generated a great deal of heat
that subjected the computer to damage, it was a vast improvement over the vacuum tube. Second-generation
computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output.
Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or assembly,
languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. High-level programming languageswere
also being developed at this time, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. These were also the first
computers that stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core
technology.
The first computers of this generation were developed for the atomic energy industry.

Third Generation (1964-1971) Integrated Circuits
The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers. Transistors were
miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and
efficiency of computers.
Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation computers
through keyboardsand monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to run many
differentapplications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory. Computers for the first time
became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.
Fourth Generation (1971-Present) Microprocessors
The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were built
onto a single silicon chip. What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand.
The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the computerfrom the central processing
unit and memory to input/output controlson a single chip.
In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh.
Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop computers and into many areas of life as more and
more everyday products began to use microprocessors.
As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks, which
eventually led to the development of the Internet. Fourth generation computers also saw the development
ofGUIs, the mouse and handheld devices.

Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond) Artificial Intelligence
Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there are
some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today. The use of parallel processing and
superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality. Quantum computation and molecular
andnanotechnology will radically change the face of computers in years to come. The goal of fifth-generation
computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-
organization.

An integrated circuit (IC) is a small electronic device made out of a semiconductor material. The first integrated
circuit was developed in the 1950s by Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments and Robert Noyce of Fairchild
Semiconductor.


S.N. Generation & Description
1
First Generation
The period of first generation: 1946-1959. Vacuum tube based.
2
Second Generation
The period of second generation: 1959-1965. Transistor based.
3
Third Generation
The period of third generation: 1965-1971. Integrated Circuit based.
4
Fourth Generation
The period of fourth generation: 1971-1980. VLSI microprocessor based.
5
Fifth Generation
The period of fifth generation: 1980-onwards. ULSI microprocessor based


First Generation
The period of first generation was 1946-1959.
First generation of computers started with using vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and circuitry
for CPU (Central Processing Unit). These tubes like electric bulbs produced a lot of heat and were prone to
frequent fusing of the installations, therefore, were very expensive and could be afforded only by very large
organisations.
In this generation, mainly batch processing operating systems were used. In this generation, Punched cards,
Paper tape, Magnetic tape Input & Output device were used.
There were machine codes and electric wired board languages used.

The main features of First Generation are:
Vacuum tube technology
Unreliable
Supported Machine language only
Very costly
Generate lot of heat
Slow Input/Output device
Huge size
Need of A.C.
Non-portable
Consumed lot of electricity
Some computers of this generation were:
ENIAC
EDVAC
UNIVAC
IBM-701
IBM-650
Second Generation
The period of second generation was 1959-1965.
This generation using the transistor were cheaper, consumed less power, more compact in size, more reliable
and faster than the first generation machines made of vacuum tubes. In this generation, magnetic cores were
used as primary memory and magnetic tape and magnetic disks as secondary storage devices.
In this generation, assembly language and high-level programming language like FORTRAN, COBOL were used.
There were Batch processing and Multiprogramming Operating system used.

The main features of Second Generation are:
Use of transistors
Reliable as compared to First generation computers
Smaller size as compared to First generation computers
Generate less heat as compared to First generation computers
Consumed less electricity as compared to First generation computers
Faster than first generation computers
Still very costly
A.C. needed
Support machine and assembly languages
Some computers of this generation were:
IBM 1620
IBM 7094
CDC 1604
CDC 3600
UNIVAC 1108
Third Generation
The period of third generation was 1965-1971.
The third generation of computer is marked by the use of Integrated Circuits (IC's) in place of transistors. A single
IC has many transistors, resistors and capacitors along with the associated circuitry. The IC was invented by
Jack Kilby. This development made computers smaller in size, reliable and efficient.
In this generation, Remote processing, Time-sharing, Real-time, Multi-programming Operating System were
used.
High-level language (FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68, etc.) were used during this
generation.

The main features of Third Generation are:
IC used
More reliable
Smaller size
Generate less heat
Faster
Lesser maintenance
Still costly
A.C. needed
Consumed lesser electricity
Support high-level language
Some computers of this generation were:
IBM-360 series
Honeywell-6000 series
PDP(Personal Data Processor)
IBM-370/168
TDC-316
Fourth Generation
The period of Fourth Generation was 1971-1980.
The fourth generation of computers is marked by the use of Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. VLSI
circuits having about 5000 transistors and other circuit elements and their associated circuits on a single chip
made it possible to have microcomputers of fourth generation. Fourth Generation computers became more
powerful, compact, reliable, and affordable. As a result, it gave rise to personal computer (PC) revolution.
In this generation, Time sharing, Real time, Networks, Distributed Operating System were used.
All the higher level languages like C and C++, DBASE, etc., were used in this generation.

The main features of Fourth Generation are:
VLSI technology used
Very cheap
Portable and reliable
Use of PC's
Very small size
Pipeline processing
No A.C. needed
Concept of internet was introduced
Great developments in the fields of networks
Computers became easily available
Some computers of this generation were:
DEC 10
STAR 1000
PDP 11
CRAY-1 (Super Computer)
CRAY-X-MP (Super Computer)
Fifth Generation
The period of Fifth Generation is 1980-till date.
In the fifth generation, the VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in
the production of microprocessor chips having ten million electronic components.
This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software.
AI is an emerging branch in computer science which interprets means and methods of making computers think
like human beings.
All the higher level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net, etc., are used in this generation.
AI includes:
Robotics
Neural networks
Game Playing
Development of expert systems to make decisions in real life situations.
Natural language understanding and generation.

The main features of Fifth Generation are:
ULSI technology
Development of true artificial intelligence
Development of Natural language processing
Advancement in Parallel Processing
Advancement in Superconductor technology
More user friendly interfaces with multimedia features
Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates
Some computers types of this generation are:
Desktop
Laptop
NoteBook
UltraBook
ChromeBook




First Generation of Computers (1942-
1955)

Image Courtesy: www.computerhistory.org
The beginning of commercial computer age is from UNIVAC (Universal
Automatic Computer). It was developed by two scientists Mauchly and Echert at
the Census Department of United States in 1947. The first generation
computers were used during 1942-1955. They were based on vacuum tubes.
Examples of first generation computers are ENIVAC and UNIVAC-1.
Advantages
Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available during those
days.
Vacuum tube technology made possible to make electronic digital
computers.
These computers could calculate data in millisecond.
Disadvantages
The computers were very large in size.
They consumed a large amount of energy.
They heated very soon due to thousands of vacuum tubes.
They were not very reliable.
Air conditioning was required.
Constant maintenance was required.
Non-portable.
Costly commercial production.
Limited commercial use.
Very slow speed.
Limited programming capabilities.
Used machine language only.
Used magnetic drums which provide very less data storage.
Used punch cards for input.
Not versatile and very faulty.
Similar Topics: Types of Computers by Purpose | Types of Printers
Second Generation Computers (1955-
1964)

Image Courtesy: www.ibm.com
The second generation computers used transistors. The scientists at Bell
laboratories developed transistor in 1947. These scientists include John
Barden, William Brattain and William Shockley. The size of the computers
was decreased by replacing vacuum tubes with transistors. The examples
of second generation computers are IBM 7094 series, IBM 1400 series and CDC
164 etc.
Advantages
Smaller in size as compared to the first generation computers.
The 2nd generation Computers were more reliable
Used less energy and were not heated.
Wider commercial use
Better portability as compared to the first generation computers.
Better speed and could calculate data in microseconds
Used faster peripherals like tape drives, magnetic disks, printer etc.
Used Assembly language instead of Machine language.
Accuracy improved.
Disadvantages
Cooling system was required
Constant maintenance was required
Commercial production was difficult
Only used for specific purposes
Costly and not versatile
Puch cards were used for input.
Third Generation Computers (1964-
1975)

Image Courtesy: www.computerhistory.org
The Third generation computers used the integrated circuits (IC). Jack Kilby
developed the concept of integrated circuit in 1958. It was an important
invention in the computer field. The first IC was invented and used in 1961.
The size of an IC is about square inch. A single IC chip may contain
thousands of transistors. The computer became smaller in size, faster,
more reliable and less expensive. The examples of third generation
computers are IBM 370, IBM System/360, UNIVAC 1108 and UNIVAC AC 9000 etc.
Advantages
Smaller in size as compared to previous generations.
More reliable.
Used less energy
Produced less heat as compared to the previous two generations of
computers.
Better speed and could calculate data in nanoseconds.
Used fan for heat discharge to prevent damage.
Maintenance cost was low because hardware failure is reare.
Totally general purpose
Could be used for high-level languages.
Good storage
Versatile to an extent
Less expensive
Better accuracy
Commercial production increased.
Used mouse and keyboard for input.
Disadvantages
Air conditioning was required.
Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips.
Fourth Generation Computers (1975-
Present)

The fourth generation computers started with the invention of
Microprocessor. The Microprocessor contains thousands of ICs. Ted
Hoffproduced the first microprocessor in 1971 for Intel. It was known as Intel
4004. The technology of integrated circuits improved rapidly. The LSI
(Large Scale Integration) circuit and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration)
circuit was designed. It greatly reduced the size of computer. The size of
modern Microprocessors is usually one square inch. It can contain millions
of electronic circuits. The examples of fourth generation computers
are Apple Macintosh & IBM PC.
Advantages
More powerful and reliable than previous generations.
Small in size
Fast processing power with less power consumption
Fan for heat discharging and thus to keep cold.
No air conditioning required.
Totally general purpose
Commercial production
Less need of repair.
Cheapest among all generations
All types of High level languages can be used in this type of computers
Disadvantages
The latest technology is required for manufacturing of Microprocessors.
Fifth Generation Computers (Present & Beyond)
Scientists are working hard on the 5
th
generation computers with quite a few
breakthroughs. It is based on the technique of Artificial Intelligence
(AI). Computers can understand spoken words & imitate human reasoning.
Can respond to its surroundings using different types of sensors. Scientists
are constantly working to increase the processing power of computers.
They are trying to create a computer with real IQ with the help of advanced
programming and technologies. IBM Watson computeris one example that
outsmarts Harvard University Students. The advancement in modern
technologies will revolutionize the computer in future.