Evolution of Computer

From the point of view of a historian, we can say that, the evolution of computer consists of five generations. They are discussed below..

1. First generation computer (1942-1955)
2. Second generation computer (1955-1964)
3. Third generation computer (1964-1975)
4. Fourth generation computer (1975-1989)
5. Fifth generation computer (1989 - Present)

 

First Generation Computer

The first generation computers were the fastest calculating devices of their time. They were too heavy in size and required large rooms to accommodate. These computers had limited commercial use. ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC,UNIVAC I, IBM 701 were the first generation computers.

Second Generation Computer

The second generation computers were much smaller and faster than the first generation computers. They consumed less power supply and were more reliable and less prone to hardware failure. In these computers thousands of individual transistors were used , so the same problem for commercial production persisted. Manual assembly of individual components into a functional unit was still required. The programming languages like FORTRAN,COBOL , ALGOL, SNOBOL were developed during this period of second generation computers.

Third Generation Computer

In 1958, Jack St. Kilby and Robert Noyce invented Integrated Circuit. It was starting of a new era in development of computers. These machines were much faster than second generation computers. They were capable of performing 1million instructions per second. The manufacturing did not require manual assembly of individual components, resulting in less human labor and low cost. The mini computer at this generation were affordable even by smaller companies.

Fourth Generation Computer

During fourth generation, magnetic core memories were replaced by semiconductor memories, resulting in large random access memories with fast access time. Also the main achievement in this stage was the introduction of LSI (Large Scale Integration) and followed by VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) circuits.The Microprocessor came in this time. It started a new social revolution, Personal Computer revolution. These PCs were smaller, faster and cheaper. So it was affordable by individuals.  

Fifth Generation Computer

VLSI became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology in fifth generation of computer, resulting in the production of microprocessor chips, having ten million of chips. Storage capacity, processing capacity both increased. CD-ROM technology came into sight. Portable PC s are handy to carry even during travel.A vast sharing of knowledge began , even with the introduction of Internet. The price range had a large variety now. From a kinder-garden child to a university student, all can have a personal computer now according to their specification.