difference between second generation of computer and fourth generation of computer
Answers
The second generation computers were developed during 1959-1965. The invention of the transistor by three scientists of Bell Telephone Laboratories in 1947 greatly changed the development of computers. However some of the features are as follows-
a) These computers used transistor.
b) They were smaller, faster and cheaper than first generation of computer.
c) They consumed less electrical power than first generation.
d) The operating speed was measured in microseconds.
e) They were more reliable and accurate than the first generation computers.
f) They could understand high level language such as COBOL.
g) Magnetic tapes were used as secondary storage media.
The examples are – IBM 1620, IBM 1401, and CDC 3600.
The fourth generation computers were developed during 1974-1990. This generation of computer is presently in use. The development of microprocessor signaled the beginning of the fourth generation of computers. However some of the features are as follows-
a) These computers use LSI and VLSI technologies.
b) Its sizes were reduced to desktop and laptop computer.
c) These computers are highly reliable and accurate.
d) They have a large memory and high functional speed.
e) The operating speed is measured in beyond picoseconds and MIPS (Million of instruction per second)
f) Magnetic disk is the common source of external storage.
g) Multiprocessing and multiprogramming OS (operating system) are used.
h) 4GL are also used.
The examples are – IBM PC, Apple/Macintosh, 8086, 80286 SX, 80386 SX etc.
Answer:
For example, I used to own the Surface Pro 2 and upgraded to the Surface Pro 4 after two years (2nd generation vs 4th generation). This was a huge step up for me because of how new the Surface Pro 2 was. Microsoft began fixing issues that people commented upon, such as how the Surface Pro 2 only had two levels of adjustments for the kickstand or how the pen placement was at the charger, meaning you can’t leave your pen and charge your laptop at the same time. However, there were also the standard changes of computers through generations, such as a better processor (Intel 4th generation vs Intel 6th generation), better battery life, bigger screen, etc.
With computer components, those may vary as well. Intel generations have slowly began to decline in the amount of “new tech” they put into their processors. Before, each processor had a huge bump in performance and speed. Now, however, things are beginning to slow down and focus more on battery savings rather than sheer performance (You can check out what Moore’s Law is and how it’s not being applicable anymore). There’s starting to be bottlenecks in the manufacturing process of processor chips, as well as pure physical limitations, that prevent Intel from packing double the amount of transistors each year.