Table of Contents:

First Generation

Second Generation

Third Generation

Fourth Generation

Fifth Generation

Introduction

The computer has evolved from a large-sized simple calculating machine to a smaller but much

more powerful machine.

Generation of computer is designed based on a new technological

development, resulting in better, cheaper and smaller computers that

are more powerful, faster and efficient than their predecessors.

Currently, there are five generations of computer. In the following subsections, we will

discuss the generations of computer.

First GenerationVacuum Tubes (1940-1956)

The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory

These computers were enormous in size and required a large room for installation.

Vacuum Tubes

Second GenerationTransistors (1956-1963)

Transistors allowed computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, energy efficient and reliable.

Transistors are smaller in size compared to vacuum tubes, thus, the size of the computer was also reduced.

Transistors

Third Generation Integrated Circuits (1964-1971)

The third generation computers used less power and generated less heat than the second generation computers.

Integrated Circuits

Fourth GenerationMicroprocessors (1971-present)

They are smaller than the computers of the previous generation. Some can even fit into the palm of the hand.

Microprocessors

Fifth GenerationArtificial Intelligence (present and beyond)

The fifth generation computers are based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). They try to simulate the human way of thinking and reasoning.

Artificial Intelligence

1-3 Give the three vacuum tubes computer

example ?

4 When does the Transistors invented?

5 -7 Give the meaning of UNIVAC , ENIAC , EDVAC

8 It is smaller in size compared to vacuum tubes.

9 It is resulted in the fourth generation computers being smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.

10 The fifth generation computers are based on __________________?