COMPUTER GENERATION (from previous blog)

There are 5 main phase or generation of computer technology.

First Generation (1939-1954) - vacuum tube [1]
Second Generation Computers (1954-1959) - transistor [1]
Third Generation Computers (1959-1971) - IC [1]
Fourth Generation (1971-1991) - microprocessor [1]
Fifth Generation (1991 and Beyond) [1]

FIRST GENERATION (1939-1954) - VACUUM TUBE

On the 1st generation, computers are created using vacuum tubes as their main electronics element.[2].For example, in 1945, John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert built ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And computer) weight 30 tons, contains 18000 vacuum tubes, occupies a 30 x 50 foot space, consumes 160 kilowatts of power.[3].

SECOND GENERATION COMPUTERS (1954-1959) - TRANSISTOR

On 1947, William Shockley, John Bardeen and Walter Brattain invent the transfer resistance device, named the transistor. The transistor are more reliable than vacuum tubes.[3]


THIRD GENERATION COMPUTERS (1959-1971) - IC


For the third generation computers, on 1959, Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments patented the first integrated circuit in February 1959.The IBM system/360 computer is the first family of compatible machines, merging science and business lines that using integrated circuit on 1964. [3]

FOURTH GENERATION (1971-1991) - MICROPROCESSOR

On 1971, Gilbert Hyatt at Micro Computer Co. patented the microprocessor. That is the fourth generation computers, built with chips that use LSI(large-scale integration). [3]


FIFTH GENERATION (1991 AND ABOVE)

The 5th generation of computer arrive with World Wide Web Consortium releases standards that describe a framework for linking documents on different computers. On this generation, there a lot of computer evolve to a new technology such as new operating systems( Windows XP, LINUX, etc), wireless technology that make our life easier. [3]

-MR. Fairus

References
[1] http://history.sandiego.edu/GEN/recording/computer1.html
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer#History_of_computing
[3] Discovering Computers Fundamental, Third Edition – Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, Misty E. Vermaat. Thomson Course Technology.