Computer development can be categorized by referring to different generations. Each generation is distinguished by a major technological advance in the way it operates. Each new generation produces, smaller, cheaper more powerful and efficient computers and related devices.
[ 1956–1963 ]
Vacuum Tubes
[ 1971–Present ]
Integrated Circuits
Microprocessors
[ Present–Future ]
Artificial Intelligence Parallel Processing
Structured Programming
COBOL, FORTRAN
Eg. Logo, Pascal
Smaller, Faster, Cheaper
Multi-Tasking, Smaller, Affordable
Keyboards, Floppy Disks
Printouts
A5 High Generic Bookmark
Monitors, Dot Matrix Printers IBM Selectric
Printouts
Punched Cards
Allowed the widespread application into many areas eg cars, household appliances. Networked - Internet
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Punched Cards, Paper Tape
Domain Specific Paradox, SQL, TeX, C, C++
CDC 6600
Single Tasking, Very large, Slow, Expensive
Symbolic, Assembly
UNIVAC 1232
Cryptic, Binary, Machine
Friden Flexowriter
Input Output
[ 1964–1971 ]
Transistors
ENIAC
Features
Languages
Operation
[ 1940–1956 ]
GUI (Graphic User Interfaces) e.g Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS Mouse
Monitors, Laser Printers, USB, CD
Quantum Computing Nanotechnology Capable of Learning and Self Organisation
Voice Recognition Natural Language Input