What does Computer mean?
A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations and operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. It has the ability to accept data (input), process it, and then produce outputs.
Computers can also store data for later uses in appropriate storage devices, and retrieve whenever it is necessary.
Modern computers are electronic devices used for a variety of purposes ranging from browsing the web, writing documents, editing videos, creating applications, playing video games, etc.
They are designed to execute applications and provide a variety of solutions by combining integrated hardware and software components
Generations
Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology a computer is/was being used. Initially, the generation term was used to distinguish between varying hardware technologies. Nowadays, generation includes both hardware and software, which together make up an entire computer system.
There are five computer generations known till date. Each generation has been discussed in detail along with their time period and characteristics. In the following table, approximate dates against each generation has been mentioned, which are normally accepted.
Following are the main five generations of computers.
| S.No | Generation & Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | First Generation
The period of first generation: 1946-1959. Vacuum tube based. |
| 2 | Second Generation
The period of second generation: 1959-1965. Transistor based. |
| 3 | Third Generation
The period of third generation: 1965-1971. Integrated Circuit based. |
| 4 | Fourth Generation
The period of fourth generation: 1971-1980. VLSI microprocessor based. |
| 5 | Fifth Generation
The period of fifth generation: 1980-onwards. ULSI microprocessor based. |
