The Evolution of Computers

 EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS-

The computers of today are vastly different in appearance and performance as compared to the computers of earlier days. But where did this technology come from and Where is it heading? To fully understand the impact of computers on today’s world and the promises they hold for the future, it is important to understand the evolution of computers. 

 

1. The First Generation:

The first generation computers made use of:

  • Vacuum tube technology,
  • Punched cards for data input,
  • Punched cards and paper tape for output,
  • Machine Language for writing programs,
  • Magnetic tapes and drums for external storage.

 

2. The Second Generation: In the second generation computers:

  • Vacuum tube technology was replaced by transistorized technology,
  • Size of the computers started reducing,
  • Assembly language started being used in place of machine language,
  • Concept of stored program emerged,
  • High level languages were invented.

 

3. The Third Generation: 

The third generation computers were characterized by:

  • Use of Integrated circuits,
  • Phenomenal increase in computation speed,
  • Substantial reduction in size and power consumption of the machines,
  • Use of magnetic tapes and drums for external storage,
  • Design-of Operating systems and new higher level languages,
  • Commercial production of computers.

 

4. The Fourth Generation:

The general features of the fourth generation computers were:

  • Use of Very Large Scale Integration,
  • Invention of microcomputers,
  • Introduction of Personal Computers,
  • Networking,
  • Fourth Generation Languages.

 

5. The Fifth Generation:              

Defining the fifth generation computers is somewhat difficult because the field is still in its infancy. The computers of tomorrow would be characterized by Artificial Intelligence (At). An example of Al is Expert Systems. Computers could be developed which could think and reason in much the same way as humans. Computers would be able to accept spoken words as input (voice recognition).


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