Computer generations
First generation of computers (1945 – 1956)
Characteristics of first generation computers
i. They used vacuum tubes.
ii. They used punched cards for data input, paper tape for output.
iii. Data were stored using magnetic drums and tapes.
iv. They were unreliable.
v. They were big.
vi. They consumed a lot of electrical power.
vii. They supported machine language only.
viii. They were overheating
Examples of the first generation computers include Mark I, Atanasoff-Berry Computer
(ABC), ENIAC, EDVAC and UNIVAC I
Second generation of computers (1956 – 1963)
In this generation the computer was made up of transistors that replaced vacuum tubes. As a
result, these computers were smaller, faster, more reliable and more energy efficient than the
first generation. The first large scale machines that took advantage of the transistor
technology were the early supercomputers, Typical computers of the second generation were
the IBM 1400
Third generation of computers (1965 – 1971)
Characteristics of third generation computers
i. They used Integrated Circuit (IC) technology which was made from semi-conductor
materials.
ii. They were more reliable and smaller than the previous generations.
iii. They consumed less electricity and generated less heat.
iv. They maintained high speed and efficiency.
v. Users interacted through keyboards and monitors, interfaced with an operating
system.
vi. They used high-level programming languages
Examples of third generation computers were IBM 360 series and Honeywell – 6000 series.
Fourth generation of computers (1971 – 1980)
Characteristics of fourth generation of computers
i. They had microprocessor-based systems that use Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI)
circuits.
ii. Microcomputers became more affordable in this generation.
iii. Processing speed, accuracy and reliability increased.
iv. Memory capacity increased.
v. The physical size of computer devices decreased, and such devices were owned by
individuals.
Fifth generation of computers (1988 – to date)
Characteristics of fifth generation computers
i. They use multiprocessor-based systems.
ii. They characterized by advancements in the superconductor technology
iii. They use artificial intelligence.
iv. They consume less power than their predecessors.
v. They are more reliable and less prone to hardware and software failures than their
predecessors.
vi. Computers have faster and larger primary and secondary storage components as
compared to their predecessors.
