Fourth Generation Computer
Fourth-generation computers were developed by removing the shortcomings of the previous-generation computers
In today's article, we are going to talk about the fourth generation of computers.
Today we will know in detail what a fourth-generation computer is? What were their characteristics and what were their advantages and disadvantages?
So without wasting any time, let us first know about the fourth-generation computer.
Fourth Generation Computer
Computers made between 1971 to 1980 are called fourth-generation computers.
The fourth generation of computers began with the use of microprocessors in computer systems. A microprocessor is a small chip, which is used as a control unit in microcomputers.
It can perform arithmetic and logical operations and also helps in communicating with other connected devices.
It was jointly developed in 1971 by Federico Faggin, Marcian (Ted) Hoff, Stanley Mazor, and Masatoshi Shima.
The invention of the microprocessor revolutionized the field of computers because hundreds to thousands of integrated circuits could be assembled on a single silicon chip.
This ultimately enabled manufacturers to develop computers in a very compact size that could easily fit even on a desk.
Microprocessors were typically developed using LSI (large-scale integration) and VLSI (very large-scale integration) technologies.
VLSI circuits helped to combine about 5000 transistors and many other circuit elements on a single chip, called a microprocessor.
Due to microprocessors, fourth-generation computers became smaller in size, leading to the development of microcomputers.
Microprocessors were widely used as a major component in computers from 1971 to 1980. Although they are still in use for computers today, they are no longer considered mainstream technology. Therefore, the period of the fourth generation of computers is considered to be from 1971 to 1980.
Fourth-generation computers have become more powerful, reliable, and affordable than the previous generation.
High-level languages like C, C++, Java, PHP, and DBASE were used in this generation. In addition, time-sharing, real-time networks, and distributed operating systems were used in computers.
Object-oriented programming was used in the fourth generation of computers. Various types of languages exist in object-oriented programming such as Java, Visual Basic, etc. These object-oriented programs were designed to solve specific problems.
The fourth generation is an extension of the third generation. The first-generation computers filled the space of an entire room, but the fourth-generation computers could fit in the palm of the hand. These computers require a minimum amount of electricity to run.
Fourth-generation computers were more affordable in addition to being smaller in size. This eventually led to the widespread use of personal computers (PC). This means that computers became accessible to a large number of people due to their portability.
The use of PCs increased in the fourth generation. IBM developed the first personal computer (PC), belonging to the fourth generation.
Intel was the first company that could develop a microprocessor. The first processor was the Intel 4004 in 1971, built on a single silicon chip, and containing 2,300 transistors.
Compared to the previous generation computers, the fourth generation computers were supercomputers that were capable of performing many calculations accurately. These supercomputers were also used in networking. Storage capacity had increased to several gigabytes or terabytes.
The fourth generation included many different applications such as data management, report generation, GUI development, mathematical optimization, and web development.
The fourth generation of computers used microprocessors with serial numbers. Serial numbers showed the performance of the computer as well as its speed.
Architecture of Fourth Generation Computer
Fourth-generation computers had five different units (ie: Input Unit, Arithmetic and Logic Unit, Memory Unit, Output Unit, and Control units), which is shown in the figure below.
Examples of Fourth Generation Computer
Following are the major computers of the fourth generation :
- DEC 10
- STAR 1000
- PDP 11
- CRAY-1(Super Computer)
- CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)
- CRAY2
- CRAY Y-MP
- CRAY Y-MPC
- IBM 4341
- IBM PC
- Apple II
- VAX 9000
Features of Fourth Generation Computer
The following are the features of fourth-generation computers :
1) Development of Microprocessor
With the development of VLSI it has now become possible to design the entire CPU in a chip less than an inch in size, called a microprocessor.
2) Input /Output media
New input/output media like monitors, and printers along with the use of keyboards were developed.
3) Semiconductor internal memory
In the fourth generation, instead of magnetic memory, semiconductor was used as internal memory. These memories were fast in speed, small in size, and cheap in price.
4) Modern secondary memory
A new secondary memory magnetic bubble, floppy disk was used along with magnetic disk as secondary memory.
5) Miniature size
With the use of VLSI and microprocessor, it is now possible to design thousands of components in circuits, which significantly reduced the size of computers. Typewriter-sized microcomputers are now available.
6) Speed
Computers of these generations were faster than previous generations. These computers could execute millions of instructions per second.
7) Use of improved high-level language
New standard high-level languages like C++, KLI, RPG, and SQL were developed.
8) Cost
The cost of microcomputers, also known as personal computers or PCs, was much lower than the cost of all previous-generation computers.
9) Development of application software
Due to the increasing use of computers, specific software was developed for different fields. Word processors, spreadsheets, and database management systems were developed that made the PC a powerful tool for both homes and offices.
10) Reliability
The fourth-generation computers were more reliable than all the previous-generation computers.
11) Power consumption
Fourth-generation computers consumed less power and did not require AC to keep them cool.
Advantages of Fourth Generation Computer
- Fourth-generation computers were used for general purposes.
- This generation of computers did not require as much of an air conditioner system as the previous generation.
- The fourth-generation computers were more reliable than the previous generation.
- These computers could calculate data in picoseconds.
- This generation of computers consumes less power than the previous generation of computers.
- Generated less heat than previous generation computers.
- There was very little cost in their maintenance.
- Microprocessors were used in these computers.
- Storage capacity was increased in the fourth-generation computers.
- The processing power and speed of these computers were much higher than the previous generation computers.
- In the fourth generation, computer devices were smaller in size.
- These computers required very little repair.
- Computers were small in size and could easily fit on a desk.
- Fourth-generation computers were somewhat cheaper than previous-generation computers. Due to this, the use of these computers started increasing significantly.
- Almost all high-level programming languages were used in fourth-generation computers.
- Distributed operating systems were used in computers, along time-sharing was also added to the fourth-generation computers.
- Computers were quite portable.
- The use of personal computers (PCs) increased in the fourth generation.
Disadvantages of Fourth Generation Computer
- AC was required in many cases due to the use of IC (integrated circuit).
- The design and manufacturing of microprocessors was very complex.
- The construction of VLSI circuits required advanced technology.
- Despite generating very little heat, fourth-generation computers required fans to cool internal components.
- During heavy use of the computer, the fan-produced annoying noises.
- Fourth-generation computers still used integrated circuits and hence advanced technology was required to manufacture ICs (Integrated Circuits).
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Conclusion
in today's article, we talked about fourth-generation computers and learned what is fourth-generation computer? What were their features and what were their advantages and disadvantages?
I hope that after reading today's article, you will have got all the information related to Fourth Generation Computer.
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