The Industrial Era - The Fourth Generation Of Comp

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The Industrial Era - The fourth generation of computers 1986-1988 The Fourth generation of computers relates to the present era of computers. These computers are defined by entirely electronic and programmable models in which ICs (integrated circuits) are constructed constituting above 500.000 components. Thus, the FOURTH GENERATION of computers commenced with the birth of the microcomputer. • In the present era more than one standard silicon based CPU will see the light. • Light based processors see literally the lights in laboratory. • Even the first models of quantum computers will be "constructed" in laboratories, but to say construction might be exaggerating (Cray 1 2002). A major technological development defines each generation of computer which primarily altered the way computers operate that resulted in increasingly cheaper, smaller in size, more powerful, more efficient and more reliable devices. The history of computer development is often referred to in relation to various generations of computing devices. I was born in the year 1986 that happens to be the period of the Industrial Era, also known as the Fourth Generation (1971-Present) for computers. The life today has become indispensable without a computer. Computerization has taken place in almost every sphere and industry. Microprocessor was born during the Fourth Generation which alone will lead to the Fifth and future generations of computers. An engineer at Intel Corporation, Marcian Hoff invented an entire CPU on a single chip that was called the microprocessor in 1970 (Cray 1 2002). The terms “microprocessor” and “CPU” are used interchangeably in the world of personal computers. Microprocessor is the core component of all personal computers and work stations. It also controls the logic of almost all digital devices, from clock radios to fuel-injection systems for

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