Brief History of Computer Generations

Here is a brief history of computer generations, as following them:

Also Read: Fourth Generation of Computer with Examples

First Generation (1940s-1950s):

• In which, vacuum tubes are used for getting to process and magnetic drums for storage space
• Large, expensive, and unreliable
• Examples like as ENIAC, UNIVAC, and IBM 701.

Second Generation (1950s-1960s):

• Used transistors instead of vacuum tubes
• These computers are smaller, fastest, and more reliable as compared to first-generation computers
• Examples include IBM 1401, IBM 7090 and 7094, and UNIVAC 1107.

Third Generation (1960s-1970s):

• Used integrated circuits (ICs) instead of individual transistors
• These computers are smaller, fastest, and more reliable as compared second-generation computers
• Examples such as IBM System/360, DEC PDP-8, and CDC 6600.

Fourth Generation (1970s-Present):

• Introduced microprocessors, which made personal computers possible
• Graphical user interfaces and networking were also introduced
• Examples include Apple II, IBM PC, and Commodore 64

Fifth Generation (1980s-Present):

• They were focused on artificial intelligence and parallel processing
• Development of mobile computing and the internet
• Examples include IBM SP/2 notebooks, Pentium PCs, SUN workstations, IBM SP/2 desktops, and PARAM supercomputers.

Fifth Generation of Computer Examples

Here, we will provide you with some potential examples and ideas of what fifth-generation computers might involve:

Quantum Computers: Fifth-generation computers could potentially be based on quantum computing principles. Quantum computers use qubits instead of traditional binary bits, allowing for significantly faster and more complex calculations due to their ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously.

Biological and DNA Computers: These computers could use the immense data storage capacity of DNA and the parallel processing abilities of chemical reactions. This could lead to incredibly compact and energy-efficient computing systems.

Neuromorphic Computing: Neuromorphic computing aims to mimic the structure and functionality of the human brain in hardware. This method are getting to enable computers for processing information more similary to how the human brain gets making to lead to ehancement in the pattern recognition, decision-making, and learning.

Superconducting Computers: Superconducting computers utilize superconducting materials to eliminate electrical resistance, leading to significantly faster and more efficient computing. These computers could work at extremely low temperatures and offer improved energy efficiency and processing speeds.

Optical Computers: Optical computers use light instead of electricity to perform computations. Light-based computing can potentially enable extremely fast data transfer and processing, and it could also help overcome some of the limitations of traditional electronic circuits.

Molecular Computers: Molecular computers get to leverage with individual molecules to execute the calculations. This could take advantage of the unique properties of molecules and their ability to interact on the nanoscale level; as well as making to lead with highly efficient and compact computing systems.

Other Examples of Fifth Generation Computers:

Micral-N Computer

The Micral-N computer was the first commercially available microprocessor-based computer. It was released in early 1973 by the French company Réalisation d’Études Électroniques (R2E). The Micral-N is considered the first non-kit personal computer and one of the earliest microprocessors.

IBM-5100 Computer

The IBM 5100 Portable Computer was one of the first portable computers, introduced in September 1975. It was the evolution of a prototype called the SCAMP (Special Computer APL Machine Portable) developed at the IBM Palo Alto Scientific Center in 1973.

It featured an IBM PALM processor, a 5-inch CRT display, a full-function keyboard, and the ability to program in both APL and BASIC. The 5100 was available in different models with varying amounts of main storage.

Altair 8800 Computer

The Altair 8800 computer was developed by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) and introduced in January 1975. It was based on the Intel 8080 CPU and was the first commercially successful personal computer.

The Altair 8800 was sold as a kit for $395 or assembled for $650. It had a front panel with LEDs and switches for input and output. The Altair 8800 was not particularly practical, but it was popular among computing hobbyists. Altair BASIC, developed by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, was designed for the Altair computer.

Latest Examples of 5th Generation Computers:

• Desktop
• Laptops
• Notebooks
• UltraBook
• ChromeBook
• Intel P4
• IBM SP/2
• PCs of Pentium
• Supercomputers with PARAM
• Workstations of SUN

Applications of 5th Generation Computers

Here are some applications of fifth-generation computers, including:

• Graphical processing, making them ideal for applications such as video gaming.

• Robotics, where they can perform complex tasks and make intelligent decisions

• Virtual assistants, such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, which can understand natural language and perform tasks

• Healthcare, where they can analyze medical data and assist in diagnosis and treatment

• Autonomous vehicles, where they can process data from sensors and make decisions in real-time

• Object-oriented languages, such as C++, have been developed during this generation.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being built into the computer, which will enable computers to think and take decisions.

• Development of more user-friendly operating systems like MS Windows and Linux-based software products

• Google DeepMind AlphaGo, which is designed based on the machine learning system to play the game of Go.

Fifth Generation of Computer Upsides

Here are the advantages of the fifth generation of computers as following them:

• They have faster processing speed than previous generations.

• Easier to repair and maintain.

• Smaller in size and more portable

• More user-friendly interfaces and multimedia functions.

• Lower cost and more affordable.

• Advanced technologies such as ULSI circuits, artificial intelligence, and parallel processing

• Dependable and reliable performance

• Efficient operation

• Capable of recognizing images and graphs

• Capable of solving highly complex problems, including decision making and logical reasoning

• Capable of working with natural language

• Capable of performing complex tasks and making intelligent decisions in robotics, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles

Fifth Generation of Computer Downsides

Here are the disadvantages of the fifth generation of computers, including:

• Sophisticated and complex tools

• Capable to provide more power to companies to watch what you are doing

• Lack of job loss due to automation

• High initial cost

• Dependence on technology

• Security concerns with AI

• Potential for misuse of AI

• Limited availability of AI experts

• Limited ability to handle unexpected situations

• Limited ability to understand context

• Limited ability to handle ambiguity

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Who invented the fifth generation computer?

The Fifth Generation Computer Systems (FGCS) was taken the initiative by Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), started in 1982, to make computers by using massively parallel computing and logic programming.

What is the speed of fifth generation computer?

The processing speed of fifth-generation computers can range from kilohertz (KHz) to gigahertz (GHz). It is important to note that the speed of a computer is influenced by various factors, including the specific hardware components, software optimization, and the tasks being performed.

In fifth generation, what technology is used?

Fifth generation of computer are based on several key technologies, including:

• VLSI and ULSI Technology
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Parallel Processing
• Superconductor Technology
• User-Friendly Interfaces
• Advanced Language Processors

Final Words

Now, we make ensure that you have been fully understood about fifth generation of computers and their examples, uses and applications with ease. If this post is helpful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

If you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding this issue? You can drop a comment!

Happy Learning!!