Ex1+T3+Question+2

2. Describe the 4 generations of computers. (Use examples and descriptions of how the computers were and worked in each one). Do you think we already are in a fifth generation? If so explain on what you base your statement, give examples.

Vacuum tubes were the first generation. The basic component of the computer in those times. The vacuum tubes were used for processing memory, but the problem was that thousands of vacuum tubes were required for just one computer. The very first computers were humongous in size (took sometimes two floors of a building or more), did mathematical calculations and worked with vacuum tubes. These tubes had to be replaced frequently and if one of those didn't work, you'd have to change it and start your operation all over again. They worked with the binary system, if a tube was on it is a 1 if it is off it is a 0. They were used in universities and by the government.

Also in the first generation, John Von Neumann developed the architecture that every computer required, the memory unit, arithmetical unit, input, output and the control unit.

John Von Neumann also worked int he create of the super computer called ENIAC, which is an example, other example of a computer in the first generation is the Mark 1 in Harvard and the UNIVAC

Transistors were the second generation Transistors were the equivalent of around 4 vacum tubes (four zeroes, or four ones). They were much smaller in size and required less changing. They were also cheaper. Because of the new advantages the transistors brought, the computers became an industry and private companies started owning computers.

The third generation are the integrated circuits. These are circuit made up of 6000 transistors.Because of their capacity, the computer became smaller and cheaper. In this generation the components became separated but still the CPU was the size of a refrigerator

The fourth generation uses microprocessors, that have a large number of transistors and integrated circuits in them, and are very expensive. They are currently made only by Intel, Motorola and AMD. They have a much bigger capacity for zeroes and ones, and are much smaller. The first company to develop a microprocessor was Intel this helped them to become the leaders in this area of computers, nowadays Apple computers use Intel microprocessors. The microprocessors have become so small, as the size of a nail, ultimately they do not let companies to develop smaller microprocessors because of security and other reasons, but what they do is to put more than one microprocessor to make the computer faster and with a great capacity for memory.

I wouldn't say we have a fifth generation, what would seem as a fifth generations (ipads, cell phones and such) is simply the four generation in a much smaller scale), or just in a different format.