Third Generation
The period of third generation: 1965-1971. Integrated Circuit based.
The third generation computers emerged with the development of IC (Integrated Circuits). The invention of the IC was the greatest achievement done in the period of third generation of computers. IC was invented by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby in 1958-59. IC is a single component containing a number of transistors. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
Keyboards and monitors developed during the period of third generation of computers. The thirdgeneration computers interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to run many different applications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory.
CHARACTERISTICS
1) IC was used instead of transistors in the third generation computers.
2) Third generation computers were smaller in size and cheaper as compare to the secondgeneration computers.
3) They were fast and more reliable.
4) High level language was developed.
5) Magnetic core and solid states as main storage.
6) They were able to reduce computational time and had low maintenance cost.
7) Input/Output devices became more sophisticated.
Computers/Advancements
PDP-8, PDP-11, ICL 2900, IBM 360 and IBM 370 are the examples of third generation computers
4th Generation
- 1971- 1980 - Computers that use a microprocessor to process data.
The fourth generation computers emerged with development of the VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration).With the help of VLSI technology microprocessor came into existence. The computers were designed by using microprocessor, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand. The fourth generation computers became more powerful, compact, reliable and affordable. As a result, they give rise to personal computer (PC)revolution.
For the first time in 1981 IBM introduced its computer for the home user and in 1984 Appleintroduced the Macintosh Microprocessor.
For more Info :
CHARACTERISTICS
1) The fourth generation computers have microprocessor-based systems.
2) They are the cheapest among all the computer generation.
3) The speed, accuracy and reliability of the computers were improved in fourth generationcomputers.
4) Many high-level languages were developed in the fourth generation such as COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC, PASCAL and C language.
5) A Further refinement of input/output devices was developed.
6) Networking between the systems was developed.
Computers/Advancements
IBM 4341, DEC 10, STAR 1000, PUP 11 are the examples of fourth generationcomputers..
For more Info : http://latesttechnomanias.blogspot.com/2010/06/fourth-generation-computers.html