The Five Generations of Computers

The history of computers is split into five stages, called generations. Each generation is based on a big change in technology that made computers better, smaller, and faster.

• First Generation: Used Vacuum Tubes
• Second Generation: Used Transistors
• Third Generation: Used Integrated Circuits
• Fourth Generation: Used Microprocessors
• Fifth Generation: Uses Artificial Intelligence

First Generation: Vacuum Tubes

First-generation computers were the earliest computers ever made. They used large glass tubes called vacuum tubes to run.

Advantages

• It was the first technology to perform calculations automatically.
• They were the fastest calculating devices of their time.
• They were a huge step forward in technology.

Disadvantages

• They were huge and often filled an entire room.
• They used a lot of electricity and created too much heat.
• They often broke down and were not reliable.

Examples of Computers

• ENIAC
• UNIVAC

Key Achievements

• Input: Used paper punch cards to get information.
• Programming: Programmed using machine language (1s and 0s).

Second Generation: Transistors

In the second generation, small devices called transistors replaced the big vacuum tubes. This made computers much better.

Advantages

• Computers became much smaller than before.
• They used less power and created less heat.
• They were faster and more reliable.

Disadvantages

• They were still very expensive to own.
• They still produced enough heat to need cooling systems.
• A person needed special training to use them.

Examples of Computers

• IBM 1401
• UNIVAC 1108

Key Achievements

• Programming: First high-level programming languages were made, like COBOL and FORTRAN.
• Storage: Used magnetic tapes to store information.

Third Generation: Integrated Circuits

Third-generation computers used Integrated Circuits, also called ICs. An IC is a tiny chip that holds many transistors.

Advantages

• Computers became smaller, cheaper, and faster.
• They could run more than one program at a time.
• They used even less electricity.

Disadvantages

• The IC chips were very difficult to make.
• They still needed cooling to work well.
• The technology was very complex for its time.

Examples of Computers

• IBM System/360
• PDP-8

Key Achievements

• Input/Output: First use of keyboards and monitors.
• Operating Systems: The first operating systems were created to manage the computer.

Fourth Generation: Microprocessors

Fourth-generation computers are powered by microprocessors. A microprocessor fits the entire computer’s brain (CPU) onto a single tiny chip.

Advantages

• Computers became small enough to fit on a desk (Personal Computers).
• They became very powerful and fast.
• They were affordable for regular people to buy.

Disadvantages

• Making microprocessors is a very difficult process.
• The start of the internet led to new problems like computer viruses.
• People had to learn how to use new and complex software.

Examples of Computers

• Apple II
• IBM PC
• Modern Laptops

Key Achievements

• Inventions: The mouse and Graphical User Interface (GUI) were created, which made computers easy to use with icons and windows.
• Connectivity: The internet was developed, allowing computers to connect.

Fifth Generation: Artificial Intelligence

The fifth generation is what we use today and are building for the future. These computers focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Advantages

• Computers can understand human language and speech.
• They are able to learn and make decisions.
• They are extremely fast and powerful.

Disadvantages

• AI technology is very complex and expensive to create.
• It raises questions about safety and what is right or wrong.
• They depend on collecting huge amounts of data.

Examples of Computers

• Smartphones
• Voice Assistants (like Google Assistant)
• Robots

Key Achievements

• Thinking: Focus on AI, machine learning, and neural networks.
• Input/Output: Use of touch screens, voice commands, and face recognition.