10 Questions
What was the primary innovation that drove the development of third-generation computers?
The invention of the integrated circuit (IC)
Which of the following computers was NOT part of the third generation?
IBM 1620
What was the primary advantage of using integrated circuits in third-generation computers?
They dramatically increased the speed and efficiency of computers
Which high-level programming language was NOT used during the third generation of computers?
Python
What was the primary characteristic of fourth-generation computers?
The use of large scale integrated circuits (LSI) and very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI)
Which of the following was a feature of third-generation computers?
They used keyboards and monitors for input/output
What was the primary benefit of using integrated circuits in third-generation computers?
They made computers smaller in size
Which of the following was NOT a feature of third-generation computers?
They were very large in size
What was the primary difference between integrated circuits (ICs) and transistors?
ICs had many transistors, resistors, and capacitors on a single chip
What was the time period of the third generation of computers?
1963-1972
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.
Learn about the six prominent generations of computers, their features, and significant improvements over time.
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