Computer Generations

Computer Generations

There are five generations of computer:

•First generation–1940 -1956

•Second generation–1956 -1963

•Third generation–1964 -1971

•Fourth generation–1972 -2010

•Fifth generation–2010 to present

The First Generation

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory, and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms. They were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.

vacuum tubes

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First generation computers relied on machine language, the lowest-level programming language understood by computers, to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time. First generation computers input were based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.

The Second Generation

In second Generation computers, Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers. One transistor replaced the equivalent of 40 vacuum tubes.

Allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable. But it generated a great deal of heat that can damage the computer.

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Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or assembly, languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words.

Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output. These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.

The Third Generation

The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.

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Much smaller and cheaper compare to the second generation computers. It could carry out instructions in billionths of a second.

Users interacted with third generation computers through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to run many different applications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory.

Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.

The Fourth Generation

The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. 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 GUI's, the mouse and handheld devices.

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 The Fifth Generation

Fifth   generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which interprets the means and method of making computers think like human beings. All the high-level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation.  The goal is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.

There are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today.

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The Sixth Generation 

The sixth generation it could be defined as the era of intelligent computers, based on artificial neural networks or “artificial brains”. Artificial Intelligence (AI) or artificial brains is a concept in programming which enables the devices to think and take actions on their own.

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The 7th Generation

 7th gen means it’s the 7th official release of a new processor line, usually associated with the Intel Company. Typically processors are release 1–3 times a year. It used to be a little more predictable with a system of development and release called tick-(new architecture) and -tock(improvements).

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The 8th Generation 

The 8th Generation Intel Core processors redefine mainstream desktop PC performance with up to six cores for more processing power—that’s two more cores than the previous generation Intel Core processor family—Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology to increase the maximum turbo frequency up to 4.7 GHz, and up to 12 MB of cache memory. 

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Intel Hyper-threading technology delivers up to 12-way multitasking support in the latest generation of Intel Core processors. For the enthusiast, the unlocked 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8700K processor provides you the opportunity to tweak the platform performance to its fullest potential and enjoy great gaming and VR experiences.

 The 9th Generation 

The 9th Generation processor takes mainstream desktop PC performance to a whole new level. At the top of the stack, our mainstream flagship, the new i9-9900K. The first Intel Core i9 desktop processor for the mainstream users. Best in class, the i9-9900K with 16MB of cache and Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology cranks maximum turbo frequency up to blazing 5.0 GHz. Throw in high performing 16-way multitasking support powered by 8 cores with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel HT Technology) to conquer the most demanding workloads. Want to reach for even greater levels of performance? — Over clock confidently with new and enhanced features like Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) and improved over clocking customizations to tweak the processor performance to its unleashed potential.

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