Innovation of Computers

The generation of Computer

Within the span of 40 years, we leap-frog through five generations of computer technology. The subsequent generations are defined here briefly.
First Generation Computer (1951-1958): The Age of Vacuum Tube
The vacuum tubes were used as the internal components for the first generation computer. The first generation of computers begun with the introduction of the first commercially viable electronic computer: the UNIVAC1. The short term for the Universal Automatic Computer. The UNIVAC1 was designed and patterned after the ENIAC(an acronym for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator).
Second Generation Computer (1959-1964) The Age of Transistor
The transistor were used as the internal components of the second generation computer. Transistors were much smaller, faster, and reliable than vacuum tubes. They consumed less electrical energy and needed no warm-up time.
Third Generation Computer (1965-1970): The age of Integrated Circuit (IC)
In 1965, integrated circuits began to replace transistors as the internal components used to construct the computer. Even the entire circuit board of transistors can be replaced completely with one chip (integrated circuit). This chip can be much smaller than one transistor. Integrated circuits are made of silicon chip. A silicon is a semiconductor crystalline substance that can conduct electric current.
Fourth Generation Computer (1971-Present): The age of Microprocessor
The fourth generation is just an extension of the third-generation technology. This next technological development is to put more power and capabilities in one chip called microprocessor. Microprocessor is considered as the brain of the computer. It is where almost all computations and operations of the computer circuitry are being done and coordinated. The applications of microprocessor technology is not limited to computers alone. It can be used and applied for digital watches,pocket calculator, copy machines, televisions sets,cars, audio and video appliances.
Fifth Generation(Onward): Information Superhighway
The Japanese coined the term fifth generation computer to describe their plan to build a powerful computer by mid-1990’s. Later the term evolved to encompass computer intelligence: artificial intelligence, natural language, and expert system. However, the fifth generation’s focus is more on connectivity. This is to permit computer users to connect their computers to other computers. Like the way that happened with the Internet today. Can the internet be the precursor of information superhighway. Let us wait and see what happens next.