Generation of Computers

 

1.     First Generation Computers

First generation of computer’s period was from 1946-1959. The system used Vacuum Tube for circuitry and magnetic drum for its memory. This computer has  enormous size, produce a lot of heat, and use a great deal of electricity.

2.      Second Generation Computers (Transistor)

Second generation of computer start from 1956 until 1963. The vacuum tube has been replaced by discrete transistor, which is smaller, faster, cheaper, and consume less power. The transistor was invented at Bell Labs in 1947.

Second generation computers use assembly language instead of binary machine language.

3.     Third Generation Computers (Integrated Circuits)

The period was from 1965-1971. This generation use Integrated Circuits (ICs) instead of discrete transistor. The users interact with this generation’s computer through keyboards, monitors, and interfaced with operating system.

The Integrated Circuits was invented by Jack Kilby

4.     Fourth Generation Computers (Microprocessor)

This generation was from 1971 until present. The computers in fourth generation use the microprocessor and Very-Large-Scale Integration (VSLI) to replaced ICs.