Generation of Computer

• 1st Generation (Vacuum Tube-1946)
• 2nd Generation (Transistor-1959)
• 3rd Generation (IC, 1965)
• 4th Generation (VLSI, 1971 To 1980)
• 5th Generation (AI, 180 onwards)

1st Generation

1st Gen 1946-1959 JP Eckert and JW Mauchy invented the first successful electronic computer called ENIAC. ENIAC stands for Electronic Numeric Integrated and Calculator.

Examples of the 1st Generation computers include

• ENIAC
• EDVAC- Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic
• UNIVAC- Universal Automatic computer
• IBM-701
• IBM-650

Advantages of 1st Generation computer

• It made use of vacuum tubes which are the only electronic component available during those days.
• These computers could calculate in milliseconds.

Disadvantages of 1st Generation computer

• These were very big in size, weight was about 30 tones.
• These computers were based on vacuum tubes.
• These computers were very costly.
• It could store only a small amount of information due to the presence of magnetic drums.
• It require a large colling system.
• Very less work efficiency.
• Limited programming capabilities and punch cards were used to take inputs.
• Large amount of energy consumption.
• Not reliable and constant maintenance is required.

2nd Generation

2nd Generation(1959-1965) is the period of 2nd Generation computer.

Examples of the 2nd Generation computers include

• Honeywell 400
• IBM 7094
• CDC 1604 Control Data Corporation
• CDC 3600
• UNIVAC 1108

Advantages of 2nd Generation computer

• Due to the presence of transistors instead of vacuum tubes, the size of electron component decreased. This resulted in reducing the size of a computer as compared to 1st Generation.
• Less energy and not produce as much heat as the 1st Generation.
• Assembly language and punch cards were used for input.
• Low cost than first-generation of computer.
• Better speed, calculate data in microseconds.
• Better portablity as compare to 1st Generation.

Disadvantages of 2nd Generation computer

• A cooling system was required.
• Constant maintenance was required.
• Only used for specific purposes.

3rd Generation

3rd Generation(1965-1971) These computers were based on integrated circuts. IC was invented by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby in 1958-1959.

Examples of the 3rd Generation computers include

• PDP-8 Programmed Data Processor
• PDP-11
• ICL 2900 International computers Limited
• IBM 360
• IBM 370

Advantages of 3rd Generation computer

• These computers were cheaper as compared to 2nd Generation computers.
• They were fast and reliable.
• Use of IC in the computer provides the small size of the computer.
• 3rd Generation of computers has big storage capacity.
• Instead of punch cards, mouse and keyboards are used for input.
• They used an operating system for better resource management and used the concept of time- sharing and multiple programming computational time from microseconds to nanoseconds.

Disadvantages of 3rd Generation computer

• IC chips are difficult to maintain.
• Air conditioning is required.
• The highly technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips.

4th Generation

4th Generation (1971-1980).These computers used the VLSI technology or the Very large scale integrated circuits technology. This technology is based on Microprocessor. A Microprocessor is used in a computer for any logical and arithmetic function to be performed in any program.

Examples of the 4th Generation computers include

• IBM 4341
• STAR 1000- Science Technology and Research.
• PUP 11- (Potentially unwanted program)

Advantages of 4th Generation computer

• Fastest in computation and size get reduced as compared to the previous generation of computers.
• Heat generated is negligible.
• Less maintenance is required.
• All types of high-level language can be used in this type of computers.

Disadvantages of 4th Generation computer

• The Microprocessor design and febrication are very complex.
• Air conditioning is required in many cases due to the presence of IC.

5th Generation

The period of the 5th Generation in 180 onwards. This generation of computers were based on AI(Artificial intelligence).

Examples of the 5th Generation computers include

• Desktop
• Laptop.
• NoteBook
• UltraBook
• ChromeBook

Advantages of the 5th Generation computer

• It is more reliable and works faster.
• It is available in different sizes and unique features.
• It provides computers with more user-friendly interfaces with multimedia feature.

Disadvantages of the 5th Generation computer

• They may make the human brains dull and doomed.
• They need very low-level languages.