Generations Of Computer

            The generations of a computer is different from one an other, the difference between generations of computer depends on the technology that are used in computer. Due to these technology computer operate differently. From past to now the device of a computer become a more efficient, reliable, smaller and cheaper.
There are five generations of a computer based on the technology that are used are
First Generation: Vacuum Tubes
Second Generation: Transistors
Third Generation: Integrated Circuit
Fourth Generation: Microprocessors
Fifth Generation: Artificial Intelligence

First Generation:Vacuum Tube:-

                           The first generation of a computer used a Vacuum Tube Technology for magnetic drums for memory. The first generation computer depends on the low level programming language (machine language). The low level programming language is written in binary format (0,1). This language is very difficult to learn and understand. The detail knowledge of hardware is required to write a program. This generation could solve one problem at one time. The input in first generation was based on punch card and output was displayed on printouts. The first generation computers were often enormous and occupy a entire room.
The example of first generations are
Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic (EDVAC)
Electric Numerical Integrator And Computer (ENIAC)
Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC)

Second Generation: Transistors:-

                                           Second Generation used Transistor instead of Vacuum Tube. Transistor makes a computer more reliable, efficient, smaller and cheaper and energy efficient as compared to Vacuum Tube, that's why it is superior to Vacuum Tube. Second Generation of computer used a Assembly language. Assembly language is one step higher then low level language. Assembly language use a symbol to specify a instruction to perform a particular task.Like to first generation second generation also used a punch card for input and for output it used printouts.
The examples of this generation are
IBM-1620
IBM-1401
 CDC-3600

Third Generation:Integrated Circuit:-

                           Integrated circuit was the hallmark of Third Generation of a computer. Third generation computer based keyboards and monitors interface of operating system instead of punch card and printouts that allow a device to run different application at a one time with central program. The Third Generation computer used a high level language. High level language is much closer to human language but not directly understood by machine. Translators are required to run program efficiently. All instruction are written in human language so it is easy for human to understand easily, and for first time computer is available for people to used. Third Generation Computer is smaller and cheaper as compared to previous Generations.
The example of
IBM-360
 IBM-370
 ICL-1900
 VAX-750

Fourth Generation:Microprocessor:-

                               Microprocessor brought a revolution in computer history. The thousand of Integrated Circuits were built on single silicon chip. The single silicon chip controls a all components of a computer from central processing unit to memory. The development of GUI, mouse and handheld device are possible by fourth generation. The Fourth Generation Computer are smaller, cheaper, more powerful and efficient.
In 1947 first Intel 4004 chip is develop.
In 1984 Apple introduce the Macintosh.
In  1981 IBM introduce first home used computer for public.

Fifth Generation:Artificial Intelligence:-

                           Fifth Generation computers used an Artificial Intelligence approach. What is Artificial Intelligence???? Artificial Intelligence is an engineering technique to make a machine Intelligent. The machine perform a functions like a human beings.
Voice recognition, ROBOT is an example of Fifth generation.