Types of computers

five computer generations

There are five computer generations known till date. Each generation has been discussed in detail along with their time period and characteristics. In the following table, approximate dates against each generation has been mentioned, which are normally accepted. 

 First generation computer:-

The first generation of computers is generally known as electromechanical computers or using vacuum tubes. For example, ENIAC has used Vacuum tubes, relied on Machine Language and Boolean logic. A computer using vacuum tubes is very slow in executing programs compared to present-day computers. 

 Second generation computer :-

The second generation of computers is a term used to describe a group of computers that were developed in the late 1950s and 1960s. These computers replaced vacuum tubes with transistors. Thus, making them smaller, faster, and more efficient.

Third generation computer:-

Third-generation computers used integrated circuits in place of transistors. With the use of integrated circuits, these computers became reliable, generated less heat, were small in size, fast, very less maintenance, and were inexpensive. It was developed in 1958 by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby.

Fourth generation computer:-

The fourth generation lasted from 1971 to 1980.

It resulted in the invention of the microprocessor. Semiconductor memories have taken the place of magnetic core memory. During this time, computer operating institutions were designed. Users benefitted from the usage of Graphic User Interface technologies.

Fifth generation computer:-

The computers of fifth-generation use AI (artificial intelligence) technology that includes: Development of expert systems, Game Playing, Robotics, Natural language understanding, and Neural Networks. The AI technology made these computers to understand human language as well as recognize graphs and pictures.