Generation Of Computer

First Generation (1942-55)

-           Used vacuum tubes.

-           Speed in milli-seconds

-           Very large size.

-           Consumed lot of power

-           Generated tremendous heat

-           Poor reliability due to vacuum tubes

-           Used only machine language and assembly language

Second Generation (1955-64)

-           Used transistors

-           Speed in micro-seconds

-           Relatively small size

-           Consumed considerably less power

-           Generated lesser heat as vacuum tubes were not used

-           Better reliability than first generation computers

-           Used magnetic core as a storage device

-           Used assembly language and high level languages (FORTRAN, COBOL etc.)

Third Generation (1965-74)

-           Used integrated circuits

-           Speed in nano-seconds

-           Further reduced size

-           Reduced power consumption and higher reliability due to the use of integrated circuits

-           Generated lesser heat

-           Used concept of cache memories

-           Time-sharing and on-line computation possible

-           Used improved high level languages

Fourth Generation (1975 onwards)

-           Using large scale integration - higher density chips

-           Speed in nano-seconds

-           Introduction of microcomputers and microprocessors

Fifth Generation (currently going on)

-           Research is being done in Japan, USA and other countries.

-           Ability to communicate with spoken words.

-           Graphic and image recognition

-           Emulation of human sense organs of speech, sight and sound

-           Ability to find solutions of problems using databases and information already stored in computer memory.

-           Ability to take away the burden of programming from human beings (i.e. computers to program themselves).