Generations Of Computers




 

What generation a computer belongs to is determined by the technology it uses. Table 1.1 shows the technology used in the different generations of computers. With advancement in the generation, the performance of computers improved not only due to the implementation of better hardware technology but also superior operating systems and other software utilities.

Table 1.1

Generation Number Technology Operating System Year Of Introduction Specific Computers
1 Vaccum Tube None 1945 Mark 1
2 Transistor None 1956 IBM 1401, ICL 1901, B5000, MINSK-2
3 SSI and MSI Yes 1964 IBM S/360/370, UNIVAC 1100, HP 9810
4 LSI and VLSI Yes 1971 ICL 2900, HP 9845A, VAX 11/780, ALTAIR 8800, IBM PC
5 HAL Yes Present and beyond  -

 



Frequently Asked Questions

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Ans: The concept of calculating machines evolved long before the invention of electrical and electronic devices , mechanical and mechanical devices. view more..
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Ans: The definition clearly categorizes a computer as an electronic apparatus. view more..
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Ans: A computer is a data processor. It can accept input, which may be either data or instructions or both. The computer remembers the input by storing it in memory cells. It then processes the stored input by performing calculations or by making logical comparisons or both. view more..
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Ans: With advancement in the generation, the performance of computers improved . view more..
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Ans: Computers can be classified in variety of ways on the basis of various parameters . view more..
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Ans: A computer can accept input, process or store data, and produce output according to a set of instructions which are fed into it. view more..
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Ans: There are different types of memories with particular functions. view more..
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Ans: An operating system may be defined as a system software which acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware. view more..
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Ans: The processing required for a single instruction is called an instruction cycle. view more..
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Ans: A number system defines a set of values used to represent quantity. view more..
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Ans: The base, or radix, of any number system is determined by the number of digit symbols in the system. view more..
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Ans: Basic Internet Terminology, Types Of Internet Connections, Uses And Hazards Of Internet view more..
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Ans: A computer is 'an automatic electronic apparatus for making calculations or controlling operations that are expressible in numerical or logical terms'. view more..
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Ans: Most designs of computers today are based on concepts developed by John von Neumann and are referred to as the von Neumann architecture. Computers can be classified in variety of ways on the basis of various parameters such as usage, cost, size, processing power, and so on. The classification of computers is presented below based on their power and their use. view more..
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Ans: Supercomputer is the most expensive and fastest type of computer that performs at or near the currently highest operational rate for computers. A Cray supercomputer is a typical example. These are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations such as weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration etc. view more..
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Ans: A mainframe computer supports a vast number of users to work simultaneously and remotely. Apart from providing multi-user facility, it can process large amounts of data at very high speeds and support many input, output and auxiliary storage devices. These computers are very large in size, and expensive. The main difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer can execute a single program faster than a mainframe, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently. view more..
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Ans: A number system defines a set of values used to represent quantity. For example, the number of mobile phones kept in a shop, the number of persons standing in a queue, and the number of students attending a class. view more..
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Ans: The base, or radix, of any number system is determined by the number of digit symbols in the system. For example, binary is a base-2 number system since it uses two symbols and decimal is a base-10 system since it uses ten symbols. view more..




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