Over the decades, the technological evolution of computers is generally referred in terms of multiple generations of changing computing devices. A generation is a state of advancement in entire product development process, which is nothing but a kind of 'leap' taken by computer technology. The very first device used to occupy so much space that, dedicated and commercial services were required to maintain it. With every successive generation, the device has become more versatile, advance and user-friendly. The speed of computer processors has increased drastically, as 'brain' of computer had to master in a way to do extremely difficult computations. Today, on the virtue of miniaturization, the power, memory and speed of computer device has significantly increased.

The first generation computer devices were strongly dependent upon machine language and they were able complete only one task at a time. Those devices were extremely bulky and they were not supportive for multitasking. The second generation computers were transformed to assembly languages from the obscure binary language. This helped programmers to give instructions in the form of words. Programming languages such as FORTRAN and COBOL were also introduced during this time. Besides this, they were the first devices which could successfully store the given instructions in memory. In later stages, integrated circuits were introduced, which became an important feature of third generation computers. During this phase, transistors were modified and positioned on the silicon chips, which enhanced efficiency as well as speed of devices substantially.
 
The fourth generation period is recognized as a phase of computer history when integrated circuit chips were transformed into microprocessor, because of which, the first desktop computers came into existence. As these desktop devices became extremely powerful, they were connected together to create a network, which ultimately resulted in introduction of Internet. The fifth generation phase has brought self organizing skills to desktop devices, which enhanced their efficiency and speed in computations as well as graphic displays. Robotics, neural network, natural language, expert system and game playing were some of the important characteristics of fifth generation computer.
 
Excellent use of nanotechnology is the key feature of sixth generation computers. Computers have transformed from the bulky devices to the one which can be kept on your lap, while updating your Facebook page. It is surprising to see all the transformation in technology within a blink of eye. In sixth generation of computers, we have actually seen the birth of artificial intelligence. It is a regime of programming where computers are enabled with a self-organize feature, so that they can immediately react to environment around them. Today, computer devices differ from earlier generations in terms of processing speed, size and complexity of task, which a device can perform.
 
Technology never stops changing as it keeps evolving every moment. Previously, microprocessors have successfully revolutionized the computer industry, while today, sixth generation computers are ready to turn entire industry on its head. Sixth generation computers have really taken advanced computing to a new level and now consumers can just imagine what seventh generation of computer will bring for them. Everyone is early looking forward for new advancements and technology as it gets develop.

Originally published on eInfrastructures Technology News