An assignment on `Evolution of computers' and `Generations of computers'
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
The modern computer took its shape with the advent of time. It was around 16th century when the evolution of computer started. The initial computer faced many changes, obviously for the betterment. It continuously improved itself in terms of speed, accuracy, size, and cost to get the shape of the modern day computer. This long period can be conveniently divided into the following phases called computer generations:
1 First Generation Computers (1940-1956)
2Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)
3 Third Generation Computers (1964-1971)
4 Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present)
5 Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Beyond)
First Generation Computers: Vacuum Tubes (1940-1956):
The technology behind the First generation computers was a fragile glass device, which was called vacuum tubes. These computers were very heavy and very large in size. These were not very reliable and programming on them was a very tedious task as they used high level programming language and used no operating system. First generation computers were used for calculation, storage and control purpose. They were too bulky and big that they needed a full room and consume rot of electricity.
Second Generation Computers:
Transistors (1956-1963):
Second generation computers used the technology of transistors instead of bulky vacuum tubes. Another feature was the magnetic core storage. Transistor is a device composed of semiconductor material that amplifies a signal or opens or closes a circuit.
Third Generation Computers:
Integrated Circuits. (1964-1971):
During the third generation, technology envisaged a shift from huge transistors to integrated circuits, also known as IC. Here a number of transistors were placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors. The main feature of this era’s computer was the speed and reliability. IC, were made of silicon and also called the silicon chips.
Fourth Generation Computers:
Micro-processors (1971-Present):
In 1971 First micro¬processors were used, large scale of integration LSI circuits built on a single silicon chip called microprocessors. The main advantage of this technology is that a single microprocessor can contain all the circuits required to perform arithmetic, logic and control functions on a single chip.
Fifth Generation Computers:
The technology behind the fifth generation computers is of artificial intelligence. It allows the computers to behave like humans. It can be seen in programmes like voice recognition, area of medicines and entertainment. In the field of games playing also it has shown remarkable performance where computers are capable of beating human competitors.
The speed is highest, size is the smallest and area of use has remarkably increased in the fifth generation computers. Though not hundred per cent artificial intelligence has been achieved till date but keeping in view the current developments, it can be said that this dream will also become a reality very soon.