How many generations of computers are there?

Updated: 10/23/2024 by Computer Hope

Computer generations are based on when major technological changes in computers occurred, like going from vacuum tubes to transistors. As of 2024, there are five generations of the computer.

Review each of the generations below for more information and examples of computers and technology that belong to each generation.

First generation (1940 - 1956)

The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes as a major piece of technology. Vacuum tubes were widely used in computers from 1940 through 1956. Because vacuum tubes were larger components, first-generation computers were quite large and took up a lot of space in a room. Some first-generation computers took up an entire room.

The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) is a great example of a first-generation computer. It consisted of nearly 20,000 vacuum tubes, 10,000 capacitors, and 70,000 resistors. It weighed over 30 tons and took up a lot of space, requiring a large room. Examples of first-generation computers include the EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator), IBM 701, and Manchester Mark 1.

Second generation (1956 - 1963)

The second generation of computers used transistors instead of vacuum tubes. Transistors were widely used in computers from 1956 to 1963. Transistors were smaller than vacuum tubes and allowed computers to be smaller in size, faster in speed, and cheaper to build.

The TX-0, introduced in 1956, was the first computer to use transistors. Other computers that used transistors include the IBM 7070, Philco Transac S-1000, and RCA 501.

Third generation (1964 - 1971)

The third generation of computers introduced used IC (Integrated Circuit) in computers. Using ICs in computers helped reduce the size of computers even more than second-generation computers and made them faster.

Nearly all computers since the mid to late 1960s have utilized ICs. While the third generation is considered by many people to have spanned from 1964 to 1971, ICs are still used in computers today. Over 45 years later, today's computers have deep roots going back to the third generation.

Fourth generation (1971 - 2010)

The fourth generation of computers took advantage of the invention of the microprocessor, commonly known as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Microprocessors, with integrated circuits, helped make it possible for computers to fit easily on a desk and for the introduction of the laptop.

Early computers that used microprocessors included the Altair 8800, IBM 5100, and Micral. Today's computers still use a microprocessor, despite the fourth generation being considered to have ended in 2010.

Fifth generation (2010 to present)

The fifth generation of computers is beginning to use AI (Artificial Intelligence), an exciting technology with many potential applications around the world. Leaps have been made in AI technology and computers, but there is still room for improvement.

One of the more well-known examples of AI in computers is IBM's Watson, which was a contestant on the TV show Jeopardy. Other more recent examples include ChatGPT and the introduction of and AI PCs.

Sixth generation (future generations)

As of 2024, most still consider us to be in the fifth generation as AI continues to develop. One possible contender for a future sixth generation is the quantum computer. However, it is still only a promising idea until quantum computing becomes more developed and widely used, .

Some people also consider nanotechnology to be part of the sixth generation. Like quantum computing, nanotechnology is still in its infancy and requires more development before becoming widely used.

With a new generation of computers, how we interact with them may also change. New ways interacting with the next generation of computers include using only our voice, AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), or MR (Mixed Reality).