Microprocessors were introduced in this generation of computers. The fourth generation marked the production of computers as we know them today. Minimalist designers and chiropractors rejoiced with the weight and size reduction. As the semiconductor packages become smaller, designers produced smaller laptops and desktop computers. Semiconductors also reduced the overall footprint of the computer. Semiconductors dramatically increased the speed and efficiency of the computer. These circuits are often referred to as semiconductors, because of the substrate used to design the circuit. The third generation computer involved integrated circuits.
This allowed computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube.
The transistor was invented in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until the late 50s. Without the transistor, we would not have the same level of computing power that we have today. The latest microprocessors contain tens of millions of microscopic transistors. Transistors opened the door to faster processing. These devices were preferred to vacuum tubes that emitted a significant amount of heat and slowed processing times. Transistors were invented in 1947 in Bell Laboratories. The second generation replaced the vacuum tubes with transistors, which were a primary component of microprocessors today. These early computers required a lot of electricity to operate and also generated a lot of heat that was difficult to displace. The first generation computer utilized assembly language programming or high level programming languages to execute instructions for the user. With each new generation of computer, the motherboard and silicon footprint decrees and the speed, power and memory power increases.Ĭomputers have come a long way since the first generation vacuum tubes for circuitry and memory magnetic drums. Technology advances are often quantified and identified by the terminology "generation." Each year, the product development process improves, this is deemed a generation.