GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS
Using size and features as the bases, computers are classified
into various generations. These generations of computers are discussed below:
1. FIRST GENERATION: The first generation computers were bulky in
size. They were able to execute hundreds of instructions per second and were
expensive as well. They used vacuum tubes as their main components. Machine language
is a first generation language, for example EDVAC, UNIVAC etc.
2. SECOND GENERATION: The second-generation computers were smaller
in size as compared to the first generation computers. These were capable of
executing thousands of instructions per second, with a transistor as its main component.
Assembly language is the second generation language in which programs were
written using mnemonic codes, for example, PDP (Programmed data processor),
PDP1 etc.
3. THIRD GENERATION: The third generation computers were more
advanced and used integrated circuits. These computers contained thousands of
components per circuit. They were cheaper than second-generation computers. The
languages used in this generation were BASIC, COBOL etc. for example, IBM 307
Series, PDP II etc.
4. FOURTH GENERATION: The fourth generation computers used complex
circuits like the large-scale integrated circuits called microprocessors or
chips, which surprisingly cost less than the third generation computers. These
computers were able to execute millions of instructions per second. The
languages used in this generation are C++, SQL etc. for example, CRAY 2, IBM 3090/600
Series.
5. FIFTH GENERATION: These computers work on artificial languages
(AI) like LISP, PROLOG etc. They use super/ultra large-scale integrated
circuits, which is also called parallel processing method. They execute
billions of instructions per second, for example, Laptops, Palmtops, PDA (Personal
Digital Assistant) etc.
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