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Generations of Computer - Computer Fundamentals, Computer Awareness
Generations of Computer
The ancient computers occupied more space and more infrastructure. So it took up-gradations through 5 generations to become the modern day computer.
The generations of computer are discussed below as follows:
First Generation Computer
- Period : 1946-1959.
- They used Vacuum tubes as their basic component.
- They produced more heat, so needed cooling devices.
- They consumed huge electricity, occupied huge spaces, huge costs, etc.,
- Machine code was used as programming language.
- Example : ENIAC
Second Generation Computer
- Period : 1959-1965.
- They used transistors as their components as they were cheap, compact, faster programming and produced less heat than the first generation computers.
- Assembly language and high-level programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL was used.
- Example : UNIVAC 1108
Try yourself: Which component was used in the first generation of computers?MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
Third Generation Computer
- Period : 1965-1971.
- They used Integrated circuits instead of transistors.
- An Integrated Circuit consists of many transistors, resistors and capacitors along with the associated circuitry.
- The Integrated circuit was invented by Jack Kilby.
- It provided compactness, cost effectiveness, less electricity consumption, etc.,
- High-level languages like FORTRAN-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, BASIC, ALGOL-68 were used.
- Example : Honeywell-6000 series
Fourth Generation Computer
- Period : 1971-1980.
- They used Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits instead of Integrated circuits.
- VLSI had the capability to have numerous transistors and other circuitry on a single chip.
- It still paved way for compactness, no requirement of cooling AC unit, affordable, powerful, etc.,
- High-level languages like C, C++, DBASE etc., can be used.
- Example : STAR 1000
Fifth Generation Computer
- Period : 1980-present times.
- The VLSI technology was transformed into ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology accommodating millions of electronic components in a chip.
- It provided way for artificial intelligence and created more powerful, compact, affordable, advanced computers.
- All high-level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc. can be used.
- Example : Laptops
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FAQs on Generations of Computer - Computer Fundamentals, Computer Awareness
| 1. What are the 5 generations of computers and how do they differ? |  |
Ans. Computer generations are classified by technological advancement: First generation (1940s-1950s) used vacuum tubes; second generation (1950s-1960s) introduced transistors; third generation (1960s-1970s) featured integrated circuits; fourth generation (1970s-1980s) brought microprocessors; fifth generation (1980s onwards) developed artificial intelligence and parallel processing. Each generation marked faster processing speeds, reduced size, lower power consumption, and improved reliability compared to its predecessor.
| 2. Why did the transition from vacuum tubes to transistors matter in computer history? | |
Ans. The shift from vacuum tubes to transistors in second-generation computers was crucial because transistors were smaller, consumed less electricity, generated minimal heat, and operated more reliably. This advancement enabled manufacturers to build compact computers at lower costs while achieving higher processing speeds. Transistor-based systems became the foundation for modern computing architecture and drastically reduced maintenance requirements compared to fragile, heat-prone vacuum tube technology.
| 3. How did integrated circuits revolutionise third-generation computers? | |
Ans. Integrated circuits (ICs) combined multiple transistors onto a single silicon chip, dramatically increasing computing power in a tiny footprint. This innovation reduced manufacturing costs, improved reliability, and enabled faster data processing during the third generation era. ICs allowed computers to become more portable and affordable, transforming computing from room-sized machines into desk-sized systems accessible to businesses and educational institutions worldwide.
| 4. What makes fourth-generation computers different from earlier generations? | |
Ans. Fourth-generation computers utilised microprocessors-complete computing engines on single chips-enabling personal computers and workstations. These machines featured larger memory capacity, faster processing speeds, and lower operational costs than earlier generations. The microprocessor revolution made computing accessible to individuals and small organisations, marking the transition from mainframe-dominated computing to the modern era of distributed, user-friendly computer systems.
| 5. What technologies define fifth-generation computers and why are they significant for UPSC preparation? | |
Ans. Fifth-generation computers incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning, parallel processing, and advanced software architectures designed for complex problem-solving. These systems prioritise natural language processing and intuitive human-computer interaction. For UPSC candidates studying computer fundamentals, understanding fifth-generation technology demonstrates knowledge of contemporary computing paradigms, cloud infrastructure, and automation-essential concepts in modern general knowledge and computer awareness sections of the examination.
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