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the generations of computers
the history of computer development is a compurter science topic that is often used to reference the different generations of computing devices. Each one of the five generations of computers is characterized by a major technogical development that fundamentally changed the way computers operate. -
First generaton: Vacuum Tubes (1940-1956)
the first computer systems used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms, the first computers generated a lof of heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions. -
second generation: transistors (1956-1963)
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. -
Third generaton: Integrated circuits (1964-1971)
The development of the integrad 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. -
Fourth generation: Microprocessor (1971-present)
The 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. -
Fifth generation: Artificial intelligence (Present and beyond)
Fifth 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.
