Computer Generation
Generation in computer is a step in technology. It provides a framework for the growth of the computer industry. Computer are generally classified into different generations according to the memory device used in the computers. So, the term 'generation' was used to distinguish between varying hardware technologies. But now-a-days. it has been extended to include both the hardware and software which together make up an entire computer system.
The custom of referring to the computer era in terms of generation came into wide use only after 1964. There are totally five generation goes up(e.g. from first to second or from second to third or from third to fourth etc), the following characteristics are in effect:
- Size, power consumption, heat generation, price decreases in every newer computers
- Speed, processing capacity , storage capacity, design complexity increases in every newer computer
1. First Generation(1945-1954)
The digital computers are using electronic valves(vacuum tubes) are known as first generation computers. The first generation computers used vacuum tubes as their CPU components. The high cost of vacuum tubes prevented their use for main memory. So less costly but slower device such as acoustic delay lines were used for memory. They store information in the form of propagating sound waves. CRT memories were also used in the first generation computers. Magnetic tapes and magnetic drums were used as secondary memory. The first generation computers used assembly language in programming. The used fixed-point arithmetic. Some examples of the first generation of computer are: IBM 701, IBM 704, IBM 709, ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC.
2. Second generation (1955-1964)
The second generation of computers used transistor for their CPU components. They used ferrite cores for main memory. Magnetic disks and tapes were used for secondary memory. High level language such as FORTMAN, ALGOL and COBOL were used for programming. The hardware for floating point arithmetic was incorporated
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