discrete transistors
VLSI chips straddle the third generation and fourth generation computers. They were used to make some third generation computers, but the development VLSI levels of integration permitted enough transistors to make a complete simple CPU in one integrated circuit chip, creating the first microprocessors (e.g. Intel 4004, Intel 8008) used to build fourth generation computers.
The main difference between first and fifth generation computers lies in their underlying technology and design principles. First generation computers, developed in the 1940s and 1950s, used vacuum tubes and were large, slow, and expensive. In contrast, fifth generation computers, developed in the 1980s and beyond, utilize advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, parallel processing, and superconductors to achieve high performance and efficiency. Additionally, fifth generation computers focus on solving complex problems using advanced software and hardware, while first generation computers were primarily used for basic calculations and data processing.
The word "generation" as used with respect to computers refers to the type of electronic components used to make computers of the specified generation.One common ordering of the computer generations is as follows:first generation, 1942 to 1958 - vacuum tubessecond generation 1957 to 1967 - discrete transistors (usually germanium transistors)third generation - 1964 to present time - integrated circuits (usually silicon monolithic integrated circuits, but some were hybrid integrated circuits)fourth generation - 1971 to present time - microprocessor integrated circuitsfifth generation - there is lots of debate on the definition of this (and possible following) generation as well as when (or even if) it began
The primary function of any bank is to make a profit
The function of man is to take care of the earth, maintain a stable society and make sure there is a "next generation" to come after
First Generation (1940-1956) Vacuum Tubes SponsoredIs your network ready for the cloud? Find out : read "Five Reasons Classic Ethernet Switches Won't Support the Cloud" and learn how to examine your network's strength and eliminate any weak points.The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums formemory, and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms. They were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.First generation computers relied on machine language, the lowest-level programming language understood by computers, to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generation computing devices. The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer delivered to a business client, the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951. Second Generation (1956-1963) TransistorsTransistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers. The transistor was invented in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until the late 1950s. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors. Though the transistor still generated a great deal of heat that subjected the computer to damage, it was a vast improvement over the vacuum tube. Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output.Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or assembly, languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. High-level programming languages were also being developed at this time, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.The first computers of this generation were developed for the atomic energy industry. Third Generation (1964-1971) Integrated CircuitsThe development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation computers through keyboards and monitorsand interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to run many different applications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory. Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors. Fourth Generation (1971-Present) MicroprocessorsThe microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand. The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the computer-from the central processing unit and memory to input/output controls-on a single chip.In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh. Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop computers and into many areas of life as more and more everyday products began to use microprocessors.As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet. Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and handhelddevices. Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond) Artificial IntelligenceFifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today. The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality. Quantum computation and molecular and nanotechnology will radically change the face of computers in years to come. The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.
The 2nd generation pets on Chicken Smoothie are designed by the site artists. Members cannot breed pets on the site.
Some older computers make great gaming computers for younger children. However, many older computers are actually sent to second and third world countries who use them for home and for business.
No, they only make peripherals for computers not computers themselves.
WinAudit is an inventory program for computers. Its function is to make a full report of a computer's configuration, software, and hardware.
Most computers allow you to surf the internet, type documents, watch videos, and make pictures. There is a much longer list, but these are the basic things people use computers for.
First Generation (1940-1956) Vacuum TubesThe first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory, and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms. They were very expensive to operate and in addition to using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.Second Generation (1956-1963) TransistorsTransistorsreplaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers. The transistor was invented in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until the late 1950s. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors. Though the transistor still generated a great deal of heat that subjected the computer to damage, it was a vast improvement over the vacuum tube. Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output.Third Generation (1964-1971) Integrated CircuitsThe development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on siliconchips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.Fourth Generation (1971-Present) MicroprocessorsThe microprocessorbrought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand. The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the computer-from the central processing unit and memory to input/output controls-on a single chip.Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond) Artificial IntelligenceFifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today. The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality. Quantum computation and molecular andnanotechnologywill radically change the face of computers in years to come. The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.