- Computer generations
- First Generation Computers
- Second Generation Computers
- Third Generation Computers
- Fourth Generation Computers
- Fifth Generation Computers
- Sixth Generation of Computers
We explain what a generation in computing is, what are the generations so far and the characteristics of each one.
Computer generations
In the history of the computing, we speak of generations to refer to the various stages in the history of its technological evolution, as they became more complex, more powerful and, curiously, more minute. There are five generations of computers identified, although the sixth generation could be developing right now at the beginning of the 21st century.
Below we detail the characteristics of each one.
First Generation Computers
This is the initial generation, which extends from 1940 to 1952. It begins with the invention of the first automatic calculating machines that we can begin to call "computer" properly. They were based on electronics valves and vacuum tubes.
Many of these computers are they programmed with a set of simple instructions that had to be supplied to the system as punched paper or cardboard cards.
One of the most famous models of this generation was the ENIAC of 1946, which weighed several tons and consumed a few Kwatts with each simple operation of up to five thousand sums per second. Another important model was the 1951 Univac I, the first designed for commercial purposes.
Second Generation Computers
It began in 1956 and lasted until 1964. The change from the first to this second generation was represented by the replacement of vacuum valves by transistors, making them much smaller and also reducing their electricity consumption. These were the first machines to have a language specific to program them, like the famous FORTRAN.
One of the best known models of this generation was the IBM 1401 Mainframe. It was a bulky and expensive machine that still read punch cards, but was so successful that 12,000 units were sold, a market success at the time.
On the other hand, the System / 360 stood out, also from IBM, of which 14,000 units were sold in 1968, belonging to a whole range of quite successful models for individual use.
Third Generation Computers
From 1965 to 1971 this third generation extends, which was determined by the invention of integrated circuits. Is technology revolutionary process allowed to increase the processing capacity of the machines, at the same time that it reduced their costs manufacturing.
These circuits are printed on silicon chips, adding small transistors and using semiconductor technology. It was the first step towards the miniaturization of computers, in addition to being used in the manufacture of radios, televisions and other similar artifacts.
Some of the most popular models of this generation were the PDP-8 and PDP-11, which were exemplary in their handling of the electricity, its multiprocessing capacity and its reliability and flexibility. With this generation of computers, the number of pi (π) was calculated to 500 thousand decimal places.
Fourth Generation Computers
The fourth generation was manufactured between 1972 and 1980. The integration of electronic components soon allowed the invention of the microprocessor, an integrated circuit that brings together all the fundamental elements of the machine and which was renamed chip.
Thanks to the incorporation of chips, computers could diversify their logical-arithmetic functions and replace, for example, silicon ring memory with chip memory, taking another important step towards microcomputing.
This is how personal computers or PCs were born, a concept that still persists today. The first microprocessor of this generation was the Intel 4004, manufactured in 1971, initially for an electronic calculator. The popular computers of this generation were many, classified between PCs (IBM) and “clones” (of other companies).
Fifth Generation Computers
This generation is the most recent, started in 1983 and is still in force today. Computing was greatly diversified, made portable, lightweight, and comfortable. Thanks to Internet, expanded its use limits to limits never before suspected.
Computers appeared laptop or laptops, revolutionizing the market and imposing the idea that the computer no longer needs to be fixed in a room, but is one more accessory to our briefcases.
There was also a Japanese attempt to build a FGCS (Fifth Generation Computer Systems, Fifth Generation Computerized Systems) which would be a new computer design strongly based on artificial intelligence. However, after eleven years of development, the project did not give the expected results.
However, never before has processing speed, versatility and convenience converged in the world of the computer until this recent generation.
Sixth Generation of Computers
Technological research is not stopping, and contemporary computers are being designed to employ neural learning circuits, artificial “brains”. That is to say, it aims to create the first intelligent computers of the history.
This would be possible using superconductor technology, to save enormously on electricity and heat, making highly effective systems with enormous power, 30 times more than what we currently have using metals common.
It is a technology that is still in development but has the potential to give birth to a sixth generation of computers.