F Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or assembly language.
F High-level programming languages were also being developed at this time, such as early versions of COBOL, FORTRAN and BASIC.
F These were also the first computers that stored their instructions In their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.
F Examples of second generation computers are IBM 1400 series, IBM 7000 series, Control Data 3600, GE 635, Honey Well 200, PDP, PDP I and UNIVAC 1108.
F The GE-600 series was a family of 36-bit mainframe computers originating in the 1960s.
Third Generation Computer (1965-1971) Integrated Circuit:
F IC Chips invented by Jack Kilby in 1951.
F Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation computers through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system.
F Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.
F Report Programme Generator and PASCAL were introduced
F Examples are IBM-360 series, Honeywell-6000 series, IBM-370/168, TDC-316, ICL-1900 series, PDP II Fourth Generation Computer (1971-1980) Microprocessors
Fourth Generation Computer (1971 – 1980) Microprocessors:
F Fourth Generation used VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration).
F VLSI is nicknamed as miracle chip.
F Used pipeline processing.
F 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.
F Concept of Internet was introduced.
F Languages used are C++, SQL etc
F Examples are DEC 10, STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-1(Super Computer), CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer), IBM 3090, CRAY-2
Fifth Generation Computer (1980-Present) Artificial Intelligence:
F The VLSI technology became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology.
F Based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software.
F AI used in Robotics, Neural Networks, Game Playing
F Development of expert systems to make decisions in real life situations.
1) Digital Computer:
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.
a) Special Purpose Computer:
Are made and used for a specific job or task. For example used in automobiles to control the flow of fuel, ignition system and braking systems.
b) General Purpose Computer:
Can be theoretically used for any type of applications. For example the computer that are used for graphs, analysis, accounting, banking etc..
2) Embedded Computers:
An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system, often with real-time computing constraints.
3) Micro Computers:
A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU). It includes a microprocessor, memory, and input/output (I/O) facilities.
4) Mini Computers:
A computer with processing and storage capabilities smaller than those of a mainframe but larger than those of a microcomputer.
5) Mainframe Computers:
A mainframe computer is a very large computer capable of handling and processing very large amounts of data quickly. They are used by large institutions, such as government agencies and large corporations.
