Have you ever look around you and noticed how computers are changing from desktops to palmtops? Well, let’s admit none of us ever had. So here we are discussing the whole evolution of computers and how these evolutions are changing our life. Starting from the basics, all of us are aware of who invented computers: Charles Babbage. He is also known as the father of computers. It means you can read this article only due to his contribution to computers.
Thus the computers that you use today has a long history to it, here is a brief timeline of the same:-
First Generation Computers
First-generation computers took place in our lives from 1940-1950. Talking about the features, they were huge as they have large vacuum tubes. At that time, for memory, computers use vacuum tubes and magnetic drums that worked as amplifiers and switches. These computers required large cooling units since they produce so much heat. This evolution of computers uses very basic programming language known as machine language.
Second Generation Computers
The period of second-generation computers started from 1956 to 1963. This generation of computers was quite evolved as it consumes less power, more reliable, more compact, and much faster than first-generation computers. At that time, transistors were used for computers, which were also cheaper than vacuum tubes. For primary memory, this generation used a magnetic core and for secondary memory, tape, and magnetic disks. The generation used high-level programming and assembly languages like FORTRAN and COBOL.
Third Generation Computers
From 1864 to 1971, computers went through a significant evolution in terms of speed, integrated circuits. These emerged from the development integrated circuit. There were transistors packed on silicon chips, which made their speed faster than 2nd and 1st generation computers. The size was reduced; they were also more potent than before and less expensive.
Fourth Generation Computers
This evolution of computers started from 1971 to 2010. The fourth generation of computers used Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. Only circuits and 5000 transistors made microcomputers possible on a single chip. The computers became more powerful, reliable, compact, and less expensive. It used programming languages like C++, C, etc.
Fifth Generation Computers
This period of fifth-generation started from 1980 to the present. Now the VLSI technology converted into ULSI that is Ultra Large Scale Integration. These computers have microprocessor chips with ten million electronic components. This evolution of computers involves Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), quantum computation, and advanced supercomputer technology.
Thus this was a glimpse of the evolution of computers. If you need to know more about it, then you can take Computer Science Homework Help from our experts.
