Fourth Generation of Computers With Characteristics, Advantages, Examples and Uses

Introduction

The fourth generation of computers used microprocessors in their circuit. 

Which was designed and developed by Intel Corporation in 1971 and called 4004 CPU [Central Processing Unit]; therefore, it can be stated that the fourth generation of computers started in 1971.

Computers are considered to be the greatest invention of all time. Charles Benjamin Babbage is known as “The Father of Computer”. 

Charles Babbage invented the first mechanical computer. The invention of the mechanical computer is one of the great inventions. 

He was in the fields of Mathematics, engineering, politics, economy, computer science, philosophy. But he is well known for his contribution to mathematics and computing.

Charles Babbage is well-known for his detailed plans for mechanical Calculating Engines, Difference Engines, and Analytical Engines.

 The development and up-gradation of computers are everlasting processes. 

The phase in which computers are designed and developed is called “Generations of Computers”.

A few decades ago computers used to be installed in an enormous room which used high electricity and power and generated a lot of heat, but in this modern era computers can be fitted on the palm, they are developed in such a compact design with powerful processing powers that can perform tedious and complex problem within a fraction of seconds.

Explain What is Fourth Generation of Computers?

After developing the microprocessor [4004] by Intel Corporation in 1971, the timeline of the 4th generation computer is considered between (1971-1984).

The fourth generation of the computer used “Microprocessor” instead of transistors and vacuum tubes in their circuitry.

The computer that uses microprocessors is called micro-computers.

The microprocessor or CPU are developed using large scale integration technology.

• VLSI:: (Very Large Scale Integration)
• ULSI:: (Ultra Large Scale Integration)
• LSI:: (Large Scale Integration)

Large Scale Integration is an innovative technology where hundreds and thousands of components such as Transistors, Capacitor and Resistor are integrated into a small silicon chip.

In 1981 IBM [International Business Machine] designed and developed their first personal computer [microcomputer], later Apple, one of the tech giants, also built their personal computer in 1981.

The fourth generation of computers was fast, efficient and inexpensive compared to other computer generations and therefore easily replaced their counterparts for the computer market.

Some famous microprocessors

• Intel Pentium
• AND
• Apple II

 They also required less space for installation, and they emitted less heat.

The Internet, GUI [Graphical User Interface] and operating systems like MS-DOS and Windows Operating System were developed.

The use and utilization of GUI technology gained popularity as the users could use the mouse and other pointing devices.

These computers were capable of performing all arithmetical and logical operations at high speed with deadly accuracy. They also were capable huge amounts of data into their memory.

Modern processors have the fantastic processing power and considerably reduce the price, size and energy consumption.

This fourth generation of the computer used high-level programming languages like c, c++, java, etc.

Famous microprocessor manufacturing companies are listed below according to their market share.

• Intel Pentium
• AMD
• Cyrix
• Motorola 68000
• Zilog Z80

Main Characteristics of Fourth Generation of Computer Systems?

• The fourth-generation computer uses microprocessors that are fast, efficient and reliable.
• They are more advanced machines than their competitors.
• They are very easy to use and handle.
• They possess GUI [Graphical User Interface], which overall increase their popularity.
• They are compatible with high-level programming languages like PYTHON, C, C++, etc.
• They are low in maintenance compared to other computers.
• They produce less heat.
• They are compact.
• VLSI Chips were used in the production of microprocessors.
• With the use of a modern computer with an upgraded operating system, two or more computers can now be connected very easily with the help of networking.
• They are portable. Therefore, they can be transferred from one location to another.
• Their parts are not that expensive and readily available in the market.
• A massive amount of data can be stored in these machines equipped with excellent data storage devices.
• Due to their excellent features, they are used almost daily for personal and official work. This is the best characteristic of the fourth generation of computer systems.

Examples of Fourth Generation of Computers

• Dec 10
• PDP 11
• PCs
• 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

When was the 4th Generation Computer Invented?

The fourth-generation computer used a microprocessor designed, developed and invented by Intel Corporation in 1971.

Benefits and Advantages of Fourth Generation of Computers

• The 4th generation computers are used as personal computers as well as commercials.
• The high-level programming languages can be used in fourth-generation computers like C, C++, JAVA, etc.
• They are not that expensive compared to other computer generations.
• Less amount of heat and energy is produced.
• They do not require an air conditioner for cooling.
• They are inexpensive.
• They are highly portable.
• These computers are very easy to use and handle.
• They are efficient and reliable machines.
• They use advanced operating systems.
• Their hardware quality is super fine.

Disadvantages of Fourth Generation of Computers

• The applications and software used in this computer were complex to use.
• The computer architecture and design were very complex.
• The need for the Internet increased
• The computer networks increased virus spreading and infection.
• They required more memory than another computer.

The Architecture of Fourth Generation Computer

The computer system mainly consists of three types: central processing unit [CPU], Input Devices, and Output Devices.

The central processing units are categorized into ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and Control Unit (CU).

The raw data, information and instructions are presented to the computer system with the help of input devices like a keyboard and mouse.

This data and information are transferred to the central processing unit for further processing, and later the output is generated with the help of output devices like printers and monitors.

The computer systems are capable of storing huge volumes of data and information in the secondary storage devices temporarily as well as permanently.

These are called storage devices.

The Central Processing Unit [CPU] is responsible for processing all the Instruction given to the computer system.

All Generation of Computer [1^st To 5^th]

#	Computer Generations	Timeline	Hardware
1	First Generation of Computer	1940-1956	Vaccum Tubes
2	Second Generation of Computer	1956-1963	Transistor
3	Third Generation of Computer	1964-1971	Integrated Circuit (I.C.)
4	Fourth Generation of Computer	1971-1980	Microprocessor
5	Fifth Generation of Computer	1980- Till Now	Artificial Intelligence

What are the Three Features of Fourth Generation Computer?

The basic three features of fourth generations of computers are as follows.

• The fourth generation of computers uses microprocessors in their circuitry.
• They use VLSI [Very Large Scale Integrated] Chips.
• They have good speed, accurate and reliable machines.
• They are inexpensive machines.

Fourth Generation Computers are Based On?

The fourth-generation computers are based on a microprocessor.

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Difference Between Fourth Generations and Fifth Generations of Computer

#	4th Generation Computer	5th Generation Computer
1	They Used Microprocessor.	They use and utilized Artificial Intelligence.
2	They are faster than all other computer except fifth generation computers.	They are incredible faster machines compared to other generations.
3	They are fast computers.	They are more faster and smarter machine.
4	They can not learn on their own.	They are designed and developed to learn on their own using artificial intelligence.
5	Languages C and C++, Java, Net, are used	Prolog
6	Some Examples are Intel Pentium AMD Apple II	Some Examples are PARAM 10000 INTEL IPSC-1

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