.
4.) Fourth Generation Computer (1972 onward)
The invention of microprocessor chip marked the beginning of the fourth generation computers. Semiconductor memories replaced magnetic core memories. The invention of microprocessors led to the development of microcomputer or the personal computer.
The first microprocessor called Intel 4004 was developed by American Intel Corporation 1971.
This computer has faster generation language and application software for microcomputers became popular and allowed home and business users to adapt their computers for word processing, spreadsheet manipulating, file handing and graphics.
In this generation, the concept of computer networks and CD-ROMs came into existence.
Features of the fourth generation computer are:
Technology in use: VLSI is introduced and used Microprocessor-based technology.
Problem-oriented fourth generation language (4GL) is used to develop the program.
Semiconductor like RAM, ROM and cache memory is used as a primary memory.
Magnetic disks like hard disk, optical disk (CD,DVD), Blue-ray disk, flashes memory (memory chip, pen drive) are used as secondary memory.
E-mail, Internet and mobile communication are developed.
Advanced, user-friendly, web page software are developed.
Size, cost, power requirement, heat generation decreased compared to the previous generation.
Operating speed, storage capacity ,use of computer increased compared to the previous generation
The example of the fourth generation computer is IBM-PC, HP laptops, Mac notebook etc.
5.) Fifth Generation Computer
The aim is to bring machines with genuine IQ, the ability to reason logically and with real knowledge of the word. Thus, this computer will be totally different, totally novel and totally new than last four generations of computer.
Fifth generation computer was based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and that is still developing process, but not yet a reality i.e this computer is incomplete. The scientists are working on it still.
These computers will be able to converse with people and will be able to mimic human sense, manual skills, and intelligence.
Features of the fifth generation computers are:
Technology to be used: These machines will incorporate Bio-chip and VVLSI (Very Very Large Scale Integration) or Ultra-Large Scale Integration (ULSI)
The computer will have Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Natural language will be used to develop programs.
The computer will have parallel processing in full fledge.
The operating speed will be in terms of LIPS(Logical Inference per Second)
These aim is to solve highly complex problems, which require great intelligence and expertise when solved by people.
Quantum computation, molecular and nanotechnology will be used completely
