Generations of Computers: A Historical Overview
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary innovation that drove the development of third-generation computers?

  • The introduction of remote processing and time-sharing
  • The invention of the integrated circuit (IC) (correct)
  • The use of magnetic cores for memory
  • The development of high-level programming languages
  • Which of the following computers was NOT part of the third generation?

  • UNIVAC 1108
  • IBM 1620 (correct)
  • IBM-360 series
  • TADIC
  • What was the primary advantage of using integrated circuits in third-generation computers?

  • They dramatically increased the speed and efficiency of computers (correct)
  • They reduced the reliability of computers
  • They increased the cost of computers
  • They made computers larger in size
  • Which high-level programming language was NOT used during the third generation of computers?

    <p>Python</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary characteristic of fourth-generation computers?

    <p>The use of large scale integrated circuits (LSI) and very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was a feature of third-generation computers?

    <p>They used keyboards and monitors for input/output</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary benefit of using integrated circuits in third-generation computers?

    <p>They made computers smaller in size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a feature of third-generation computers?

    <p>They were very large in size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary difference between integrated circuits (ICs) and transistors?

    <p>ICs had many transistors, resistors, and capacitors on a single chip</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the time period of the third generation of computers?

    <p>1963-1972</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Generations of Computers

    • There are six prominent generations of computers, each with significant improvements over the previous one.

    First Generation (1937-1953)

    • Used vacuum tubes as basic components for memory and Central Processing Unit (CPU) circuitry.
    • Features:
      • Large in size, non-portable, and took up entire rooms.
      • Consumed a large amount of energy and generated heat.
      • Low in reliability due to slow input and output devices.
      • Expensive, only affordable for large organizations.
      • Had limited memory size.
      • Used machine language, 0s and 1s, subroutines, and assemblers.
      • Could only perform a single task at a time, with batch processing operating system.
      • Input was based on punched cards, magnetic tape, and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.

    Third Generation (1963-1972)

    • Used Integrated Circuits (ICs) instead of transistors.
    • Features:
      • Hundreds of transistors were replaced by integrated circuits (IC) on a silicon chip.
      • Made computers smaller and faster.
      • Consumed lesser electricity.
      • Generated less heat.
      • More reliable in comparison to previous generations.
      • Costly with lesser maintenance.
      • Supported high-level languages such as BASIC, Pascal, C, COBOL, and Fortran.

    Fourth Generation (1972-1984)

    • Used Large Scale Integrated Circuits (LSI) and Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits (VLSI).

    Fifth Generation (AI-based)

    • Features:
      • Based on ULSI technology due to advancements in superconductor technology.
      • Based on true artificial intelligence and are still in their developmental stage.
      • Development of natural language processing to bridge the gap between computing and thinking.
      • Advancements in parallel processing.
      • More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features.
      • Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates.
      • Use more than one CPU for faster processing speed.
      • Solve highly complex problems, including decision making and logical reasoning.
      • Examples of computers: Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, UltraBook, ChromeBook, IBM PC-AT, Intel 80486, video toaster, etc.

    Sixth Generation (1990-till date)

    • Features:
      • Gradual improvements over established systems.
      • Significant changes represent a transition to a new generation.
      • Examples of inventions: WWW, HTML, Web TV, DVD, YouTube, etc.
      • Examples of computers: Power Book by Apple (1991), Pentium microprocessors by Intel (1993), Sun Ultra workstation (1996), etc.

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    Description

    Learn about the six prominent generations of computers, their features, and significant improvements over time.

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