Question

Discuss the various generations of computers.

Answer 1

	Generation	Components	Merits/Demerits
1.	First-generation 1942-1955	Vacuum Tubes	Big in size Consumed more power Malfunction due to overheating Machine language was used Eg. ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC
2.	The second-generation 1955-1964	Transistors	Smaller Generates less heat Consumed less power Punched cards were used. The first operating system was developed Batch processing and multiprogramming Machine language, Assembly language was used.
IBM 1401, 1 BM 1620, UNIVAC 1108
3.	The third generation 1964-1975	Integrated circuits (IC)	Computers were smaller, faster, and more reliable. Consumed less power. High-level languages were used.
IBM 360 Series, Honey well 6000 series
4.	Fourth-generation 1975-1980	Microprocessor very large scale Integrated circuits (VLSI)	Smaller and faster Microcomputer series such as IBM and Apple were developed. Portable computers were introduced.
5.	Fifth-generation 1980-till date	Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI)	Parallel processing Supercomputers Computer size was drastically reduced Can recognize images and graphics. Introduction of Artificial Intelligence and Expert systems. Able to solve highly complex problems including decision making and logical reasoning.
6.	Sixth generation	In future	Parallel and distributed computing Computers are smarter, faster, and smaller Robotics developed Natural language processing Development of Voice Recognition Software