The Evolution of the Computers

Chidambaranathan C.M

The Five Generations of Computers

First Generation1951-1959

During this generation, computers were built with vacuum tubes.

These electronic tubes were made of glass and were about the size of a light bulb.

Fun Facts“The Vacuum Tube Age”

1951-1953– IBM sells over 1,000 IBM 650 systems.1952– Dr. Grace Hopper introduces the A6 Compiler, which is the first example of software that converts high-level language symbols into instructions that a computer can execute.

Second Generation1959-1965

This generation begins with the first computers built with transistors—small devices that transfer electronic signals across a resistor.

Because transistors are much smaller, use less power, and create less heat than vacuum tubes, the new computers were faster, smaller, and more reliable than the first-generation machines were.

Fun Facts“The Transistor Age”

1959—Introduction of the removable disk pack, providing users with fast access to stored data.1963--ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) introduced which enables computers to exchange information.

Third Generation1965-1971

In 1964, computer manufacturers began replacing transistors with integrated circuits.

An integrated circuit (IC) is a complete electronic circuit on a small chip made of silicon.

These computers were more reliable and compact than computers made with transistors, and they cost cost less to manufacture.

Fun Facts“The Integrated Circuit Age”

1965—Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) introduces the first minicomputer.

1969—Introduction of ARPANET and the beginning of the Internet.

Fourth Generation1971-present

There are many key advancements that were made during this generation, the most significant of which was the use of the microprocessor—a specialized chip developed for computer memory and logic. This revolutionized the computer industry by making it possible to use a single chip to create a smaller “personal” computer (as well as digital watches, pocket calculators, copy machines, and so on).

Fun Facts“The Microprocessor Age”

1977—Apple Computer Inc. Founded.1981—Introduction of the IBM PC, which contains an Intel microprocessor chip and Microsoft’s MS-DOS operation system.1990—Microsoft releases Windows 3.0 with the ability to run multiple applications.

Fifth Generation1991-2000 & future

AI-Artificial Inteliigence.(Super Computer)Our current generation has been referred to as the “Connected Generation” because of the industry’s massive effort to increase the connectivity of computers. The rapidly expanding Internet, World Wide Web, and intranets have created an information superhighway that has enabled both computer professionals and home computer users to communicate with others across the globe.