4 Computer Generations |
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| This website presents
a narrow aspect of computer history. Each computer generation is defined by its logic unit, or the smallest processing unit contained in the computer. |
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| Generations |
Time Frame | Descriptive Term | Type of Computer | Inventor |
| First Generation |
1946-1956 | Vacuum Tubes |
Mainframes | Lee De Forest |
| Second Generation |
1956-1964 | Transistor | Mainframes | William Shockley |
| Third Generation |
1964-1970 | Integrated Circuit |
Mainframes Minicomputers |
Jack Kilby, Robert Noyce |
| Fourth Generation |
1970-today | Microprocessor | Mainframes Minicomputers Microcomputers |
Ted Hoff |