Fourth Generation Computers

And finally, from 1971 – today brings the fourth generation. Two characteristics that really impacted this generation is the leap to monolithic integrated circuits (millions of transistors within one integrated circuit chip) as well as the creation of the microprocessor. “By putting millions of transistors onto one single chip more calculation and faster speeds could be reached by computers.  Because electricity travels about a foot in a billionth of a second, the smaller the distance [results in] the greater the speed of computers” (Hames, The Computer Generations). But it is the microprocessor that really makes today’s computers stand out from the rest of the generations. Created by Ted Hoff (who at the time was working at a new company called, Intel) created the chip, which happened to be the size of a pencil eraser that housed and did all the computing/logic. Although it was originally sought to be used in a calculator, the microprocessor opened the doors into personal and compact computing.

         Computer kits were now selling, where consumers could buy a housing kit and create their own computers. These may seem like tiny advancements, but these created the big boom into 1977 when personal computers made their way into the markets. Apple II and then in 1981, IBM splashed on to the scene. Which in turn created numerous other personal computers. Eventually, each time, making computers smaller and more efficient. As seen early, the smaller the technology got, the faster the computers became.

         As the computers splashed on the scene, the Internet made an even bigger splash by allowing computers to connect together. This changed the world as we know it. Besides connecting with someone from around the world, now we can buy goods/services off the Internet. And this isn’t the end. There are new devices being created constantly. Within the past ten years have seen the handheld computers explode onto the scene. Who knows what is in store!

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Source

• Hames, Roderick. "The Computer Chronicles - Computer Generations." The Computer Chronicles - Computer Generations. N.p., 2011. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.