3. Concept of
generations
of computer
The term ‘generation’ refers to the classification of
computer systems according to their technological
development specially processing devices. According to
the different technologies used, different memory devices
used in the computers, their speed, storage capacity,
functions, computers have been classified in different
groups, this classification is called Generation of
computers.
4. Write the full
forms of the
following
abbreviations:
IC LSIC
Prolog MIPS
VLSIC ULSIC
4GL
5. When generation goes up
the following characteristics
are in effect:
Characteristics Result
Complexity Decrease
Heat generation Decrease
Power consumption Decrease
Price of computer Decrease
Processing capability Increase
Size Decrease
Speed Increase
Storage capacity Increase
Portability Increase
Use of user’s friendly software Increase
6. First Generation
Computer (1946-1958)
First generation computers used vacuum tubes as the
memory device. These generation computers were very
expensive and very large size, and hence require special
housing. ENIAC, MARK-I and EDVAC are the first-generation
computers.
Features:
• They were huge in size.
• They used vacuum tube as main component which was
developed by Lee Dee Forest in 1908.
• Their operating speed was up to millisecond.
• They used machine level language.
7. Second Generation
Computer (1959-1964)
• Features
• They use transistors as main component.
• They used magnetic disks as secondary storage.
• Their operating speed was increased up to
microseconds.
• They used magnetic core memory for internal
storage.
8. Third Generation
Computer (1965-1974)
Features:
• ICs were used as the main memory unit.
• Semiconductor memory was used for internal
storage medium.
• Introduction of minicomputers/personal
computers were done in this period.
• Processing speed was increased to nanosecond.
• The use of high-level languages became
common, e.g. COBOL, FORTRAN.
9. Fill in the
blanks:
The computers produced and used between
_______ and _______ were called the first
generation computers.
The second generation computers used ________ as
a memory device.
The third generation computers were marked by the
use of _______ instead of transistors.
The computers produced after 1974 are called
_________ generation computers.
The fifth generation of computers have __________.
10. Fourth Generation Computer
(1975-1990)
Features:
• Use VLSI as main component.
They use object-oriented programming language like C,
C++, and DBASE etc.
• Their speed was increased up to picoseconds.
Advantages:
• Smallest in size because of high component density and
hence are portable.
• Very reliable and heat generated is negligible.
• No air conditioning required in most cases.
• Cheapest among all generations.
• Much faster in computation than previous generations.
11. Five
Generation
Computer
(1980-Future)
• In the fifth generation, the VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large-Scale
Integration) technology, resulting in the production of microprocessor chips
having ten million electronic components. This generation is based on
parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. AI is an
emerging branch in computer science, which interprets means and method
of making computers think like human beings. All the high-level languages
like C and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation. AI includes:
• Robotics
• Neural Networks
• Game Playing
• Development of expert systems to make decisions in real life situations.
• Natural language understanding and generation.
• Features
• More user friendly ULSI technology
• Development of true artificial intelligence
• Development of Natural language processing
• Advancement in Parallel Processing
• Advancement in Superconductor technology
• interfaces with multimedia features
• Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates
12. State whether
the following
statements are
True or False:
The first generation computers were smaller in size
and more reliable.
The second generation computers generated more
heat than the first generation computers.
Transistors were used as a memory device in the
third generation computers.
LSI circuits and VLSI circuits are used as a memory
device in the fourth generation of computers.
PROGLOG (Programming Logic) will be used as the
operating system in the fourth generation
computers.
13. Concept of Artificial
intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the
simulation of human intelligence in machines that are
programmed to think like humans and mimic their
actions. The term may also be applied to any machine
that exhibits traits associated with a human mind such
as learning and problem-solving.
The ideal characteristic of artificial intelligence is its
ability to rationalize and take actions that have the
best chance of achieving a specific goal.
14. Match the following:
Column A Column B
• First generation Integrated Circuit
• Second generation Ultra Large Scale Integration
Technology
• Third generation Vacuum Tubes
• Fourth generation LSI and VLSI technologies
• Fifth generation Transistors
15. Review and glossary
1. The term 'generation refers to the classification of computers
according to the technological advancement of processors.
2. The first generation computers were large in size. They were
unreliable. They required regular maintenance.
3. The first generation computers were marked by the use of
vacuum tubes or valves as their main component.
4. The second generation computers were marked by the use of
transistors instead of vacuum tubes.
5. The third generation computers were smaller in size. They use
integrated circuits instead of a transistor.
6. The fourth generation computers were marked by the use of
Large Scale Integrated Circuits and Very Large Scale Integrated
Circuits.
7. The fifth generation computers have artificial intelligence.
16. Glossary
• Vacuum tube: a glass tube device controlling electric
current
• Chip: a small piece of silicon material on which
electronic components are arranged
• Transistor: a solid state circuit component used in the
second generation computers as a memory device
• IC: a device consisting of a number of connected circuit
elements
• VLSI: composition of thousands of circuits
• Artificial Intelligence: area of computer science focusing
on creating machines that contains human behavior