Fourth Generation of Computers

The fourth generation of computers, introduced in 1972, marked a significant advancement with the use of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology. This allowed thousands of transistors to be integrated into a single chip, creating microprocessors that were smaller, faster, and more powerful. These microprocessors could perform complex tasks, revolutionizing computing.

Key Features of Fourth-Generation Computers:

• Smaller and More Efficient: VLSI technology made computers more compact, requiring less power and offering greater performance.
• Increased Storage and Speed: These computers had larger memory capacities and much faster processing speeds.
• Portability: Thanks to VLSI, computers have become more portable and affordable.
• First Personal Computers: The introduction of microprocessors led to the first personal computers (PCs), such as the IBM PC.
• Affordability: These computers became more accessible to the public, sparking the PC revolution.

Intel was the first company to create a microprocessor, and each microprocessor was assigned a serial number indicating its processing power. This generation also saw the rise of supercomputers, which could perform high-level computations and use advanced programming languages like C, C++, and DBASE.

The evolution from Small-Scale Integration (SSI), with just a few components per chip, to large-scale integration (VLSI), with tens of thousands of components, helped drive the development of modern, powerful computers. Today, microprocessor technology remains the foundation for all computing devices.

Note: Some fourth generation computers are STAR 1000, CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer), DEC 10, PDP 11, and CRAY-1

Also Check,

• Generation of Computer
• First Generation of Computer
• Second Generation of Computer
• Third Generation of Computer
• Fifth Generation of Computer

Features of Fourth Generation Computers

Following are the features of fourth-generation computers:

• Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits are used in a microprocessor-based system.
• In this generation, microcomputers became the most affordable.
• Handheld computers have grown in popularity and cost.
• In this age, networking between systems was invented and became commonplace.
• The quantity of memory and other storage devices available has expanded dramatically.
• The outputs are now more consistent and precise.
• The processing power, or speed, has skyrocketed.
• With the expansion of storage systems' capacity, huge programs began to be used.
• Great advancements in hardware aided in the improvement of the screen, paper, and other output.
• Multiple high-level languages, such as BASIC, PASCAL, COBOL, FORTRAN, and C, were developed in the fourth generation.

Advantages Of Fourth Generation of Computer

Following are some advantages of fourth-generation computers:

• They were designed to be used for a wide range of purposes (general-purpose computers).
• Smaller and more dependable than previous generations of computers.
• There was very little heat generated.
• In many circumstances, the fourth-generation computer does not require a cooling system.
• Portable and less expensive than previous versions.
• Computers from the fourth generation were significantly quicker than those from previous generations.
• The Graphics User Interface (GUI) technology was used to provide users with better comfort. During this time, PCs became more inexpensive and widespread.
• Repair time and maintenance costs are reduced.
• They were also created with the intention of being used in commercial production.
• In this form of computer, any type of high-level language can be employed.

Disadvantages of the Fourth Generation of Computer

• Following are some disadvantages of fourth-generation computers:
• The fabrication of the ICs necessitated the use of cutting-edge technologies (Integrated Circuits).
• Only ICs can be made with a high-quality and reliable system or technology.
• Microprocessors must be manufactured using cutting-edge technology, which necessitates the use of a cooler (fan).

Comparison Between Third and Fourth Generations of Computers

Here The Comparision Table For Third and Fourth Generations of Computers:

Sample Questions

Question 1: What this counting machine is called developed by Charles Babbage known as the father of the computer?

Solution:

Charles Babbage developed a counting machine called a difference engine.

Question 2: Why are second-generation computers are faster and cheaper in comparison of first generations computers? 

Solution:

Second-generation computers basically used two types of devices which are transistors and magnetic cores. The magnetic core is used for memory storage.

Question 3: Which generation computers used integrated circuits?

Solution:

The third generation computers were the enhanced version of second-generation computers they used integrated circuits.

Question 4: Which generation is based on the VLSI microprocessor?

Solution:

The fourth generation support VLSI microprocessor. The timeline of fourth-generation: 1972-1990.

Question 5: In which generation time-sharing, real-time, networks, and distributed operating systems were used?

Solution:

Fourth generation of computers uses time-sharing, real-time, networks, and distributed operating systems.

What time period did fourth-generation computers cover?

Fourth-generation computers began in the early 1970s and continue to the present day. They marked a shift toward personal computing and microprocessor-based systems.

What technology replaced integrated circuits in fourth-generation computers?

In fourth-generation computers, Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology replaced previous ICs, allowing millions of transistors to be integrated onto a single chip, further enhancing performance and reducing size.

Which high-level programming languages were commonly used during this generation?

During this generation, programming languages like C, C++, Java, and SQL became widely used for software development, enabling more complex and powerful applications.

How did the introduction of VLSI technology impact the size and performance of computers?

VLSI technology dramatically reduced the size of computers by fitting more transistors on smaller chips, leading to faster processing speeds, better performance, and lower costs.

Can you name some examples of fourth-generation computers?

Examples include personal computers like the IBM PC, the Apple II, and high-performance systems like the CRAY-1 supercomputer, which was used for scientific and engineering applications.