First Generation Computers (1940-1956) Vacuum Tubes:

The first generation computers used vacuum tubes. First generation computers are working on machine language, the lowest-level programming language understood by computers, to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts. The UNIVAC computers are examples of first-generation computing devices. The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer delivered to a business client, the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.

Second Generation Computers (1956-1963) Transistors:

Second generation computers used transistors. Second-generation computers moved from binary machine language to symbolic, or assembly, languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. High-level programming languages were also being developed at this time, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory “which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology”.

Third Generation Computers (1964-1971) Integrated Circuits:

Third Generation Computers Developed Integrated Circuits. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers. Through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to run many different applications at one time. First time became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper.

Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present) Microprocessors:

Fourth generation of computers used Microprocessors, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip.

In 1971 developed Intel 4004 chip, located all the components of the computer from the central processing unit and memory to input/output controls on a single chip.

In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh. Everyday products began to use microprocessors. As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet. Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and handheld devices.

Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond) Artificial Intelligence:

Fifth generation computer devices based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today. The use of parallel processing and super conductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality. The goal of fifth-generation computers is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.

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