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In this fast-paced world, computers have become a necessity. We are dependent on computers
to a great extent. Their invention has made our lives easier as they help us carry out several tasks,
be it making an airline reservation or paying electricity bills, making railway reservations, online
bank transactions, etc.
In this chapter, we will learn about categories of computers. Let us recall the journey of computers
through different generations.
EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS
The evolution of computers has been classified into generations. Let us learn about them in detail.
FIRST GENERATION (VACUUM TUBE-BASED COMPUTERS)
The first generation computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry, and magnetic drums for
memory. They were as large in size as the space of a room.
SECOND GENERATION (TRANSISTOR-BASED COMPUTERS)
In the 1960s, transistor-based computers replaced vacuum tubes, marking them the second
generation of computers. The transistors were far superior to vacuum tubes which allowed the
computer to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more efficient and reliable. These were also the
first computers that stored instructions in their memory which moved from a magnetic drum to
magnetic core technology.
THIRD GENERATION (INTEGRATED CIRCUIT-BASED COMPUTERS)
This generation of computers was built using integrated circuits. Small transistors were placed on
silicon chips called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
FOURTH GENERATION (MICROPROCESSOR-BASED COMPUTERS)
In this generation, computers used components like the microprocessor, where micro refers to
the physical size of the component. A microprocessor is an integrated chip on which the entire
CPU (Control Unit and ALU) is fabricated.
PURE
FACT The first microprocessor chip, the Intel 4004 was introduced by Intel in 1971.
FIFTH GENERATION (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE)
The development of fifth generation computers is underway. What sets this generation of
computers apart is the infusion of artificial intelligence. Developers are aiming at building
computers that are capable of organising themselves.
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