Generation of Computer
1. First Generation Computers (1940-1956): The first generation computers used vacuum tubes for circuits and magnetic drums for the memory storage. First generation computers were very large and take enormous space. These computers consumed large amount of electricity, and generated a lot of heat. First generation computers used machine language. The Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC) and Electronic Numerical Integrator Analyzer and Computer (ENIAC) computers are examples of first generation computing devices.
2. Second Generation Computers (1956-1963): The second generation computers used transistors and magnetic core for memory storage. Use of transistors made the computers smaller, faster, cheaper, energy efficient and more reliable than the first generation computers. Transistors were a vast improvement over the vacuum tubes but still generated great amount of heat that subjected computer to damage. Second generation computers used assembly language.
3. Third Generation Computers (1964-1971): The third generation computers used integrated circuits. They were smaller and cheaper than the previous generation computers.
4. Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present): The fourth generation computers used microprocessor. Microprocessor consisted of thousands of integrated circuits built onto a single silicon chip.
5. Fifth Generation Computers (Present): The fifth generation computers are based on artificial intelligence. They are still in their developmental phase.