Explain the differences between the different generations of computers. How did science contribute to these developments?
Answers
To differentiate there were four generation of computers as till now-
• As for first generation of computers that developed and came into access from year 1943 to 1958.
The computers of that generation used vacuum tubes as for the computer memory space back then but the memory space was comparatively low.
The computers of that generation were bulky and very large in size and were also very heavy.
Due to bulky hardware these computers consumed a large amount of electricity.
Compared to today’s development the computers even lacked in accurate and different complex functioning that a computer of advanced version can perform.
The primary and initial model of computers were also very basic in their form and functioning.
Machine level language of programming was used by the 1st generation computers.
• 2nd Generation- These were during the years -1959 to 1965.
This generation of computers used transistors.
They were faster, cheaper and better than the first generation computers owing to the technical advancement.
These were comparatively smaller too.
This consumed less electricity and less space physically.
Higher level of programming language- ‘COBOL was used in it.
Magnetic tapes were used for a change.
• 3RD Generation- of computers was better with Operating system, space, accuracy, speed and the memory capacity.
The computers had integrated circuits. Monitors and Keyboards as an advanced format came into being.
Magnetic disks were also introduced as a medium of storage.
The speed of operation in these computers was measured on the scale of nano-seconds.
Different and better language of computer programming for used for even more complex applications now introduced to computers.
• 4th Generation- These were developed during 1940 to 1990 and is presently in use updated with advancements with growing technicalities and fast change in the time and requirements.
These are VSI and LSVI enabled in their technology.
The physical size of the computer has been reduced to a very wide extent that is to- smaller desktop computers, laptops, notebooks and tablets.
These have very high speed, increased accuracy and are multi-operational and have multi-processing operating system.
The speed is measured on the scale of picoseconds.
The computers are enabled with Artificial Intelligence and even more complex and multiple functions.
These are even more user-friendly and compact in every manner.
Answer:
The following are the different types of generation of the computer are:
1st Generation:
The 1st generation of the computer system mainly used the machine language and used the vacuum tubes for the magnetic drums for the purpose of the storage memory. The main drawback of the first generation computer is that it generate a lot of heat and it cause the malfunction. Te computers are very expensive.
2nd generation:
The second (2nd) generation computers replaced the vacuum tubes and it is more reliable as compared to the first generation computers. This generation computer is fastest, small in size, more energy efficient and cheaper as compared to first generation computer system.
3rd generation:
The third generation computer system used the interrogated circuits for the processing. The third generation computer system uses the monitor and keyboard for the interaction in the operating system.
4th generation:
The fourth generation computer system develop the microprocessor for the processing. As, the thousands of the integrated circuit are build on the single chip which is made up from the silicon. This generation is the fastest processing system. All the components like memory and central pressing functions are perform by using the single chip of microprocessor.