Fourth Generation of the Computers
This Computer Started 1971-Present.
The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers.
In the world of personal computers,the terms microprocessor and CPU are used interchangeably.
At the heart of all personal computers and most workstations sits a microprocessor.
Microprocessors also control the logic of almost all digital devices, from clock radios to fuel-injection systems for auto mobiles.
Three basic characteristics differentiate microprocessors:
Instruction Set:
The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute.
Bandwidth:
The number of bits processed in a single instruction.
Clock Speed:
Given in megahertz (MHz), the clock speed determines how many instructions per second the processor can execute.
The Microprocessor contains thousands of integrated circuits we rebuilt onto a single silicon chip. A silicon chip that contains a CPU.
Ted Hoff produced the first microprocessor in 1971 for Intel. It was known as Intel 4004.
The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the computer - from the central processing unit and memory to input/output controls - on a single chip.
The CPU is the brains of the computer.
Sometimes referred to simply as the processor or central processor, the CPU is where most calculations take place.
In terms of computing power,the CPU is the most important element of a computer system.
On large machines, CPUs require one or more printed circuit boards. On personal computers and small workstations, the CPU is housed in a single chip called a microprocessor.
Two typical components of a CPU are:
The arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations.
The control unit, which extracts instructions from memory and decodes and executes them, calling on the ALU when necessary.
The examples of fourth generation computers are Apple Macintosh & IBM PC.
In the above figure 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home users.
Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop computers and into many areas of life as more and more everyday products began to use microprocessors.
As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet.
Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUI's, the mouse and handheld devices.
Advantages:-
1) More powerful and reliable than previous generations.
2) Small in size
3) Fast processing power with less power consumption
4) No air conditioning required.
5) Totally general purpose
6) Commercial production
7) Less need of repair.
8) Cheapest among all generations
9) All types of High level languages can be used in this type of computers.
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