1 Explain the generation of computer.
Answers
First-generation computers:
The first computers used vacuum tubes for electronic circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. They were very expensive to operate and the power consumption was high, generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.
Second-generation computers:
In the second generation computers, symbolic or assembly languages were used. High-level programming languages were also in use at this time, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. Their memory consisted of magnetic core technology.
Third-generation computers:
The development of the integrated circuit was made use of the third generation computers. Transistors were miniaturized and were placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors.
- The processing speed and efficiency of computers increased.
- Keyboards and monitors were used as input and output devices.
- Computer system had an operating system and helped to run multiple applications simultaneously.
Fourth-generation computers:
The microprocessor was used in the fourth generation computers, as thousands of integrated _ circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the computer – from the central processing unit and memory to input/output controls – on a single chip.