The evolution of computers has been a fascinating journey, starting from large mainframes to compact devices that we carry in our pockets today. The 4th generation of computers marked a significant milestone in the history of computing, introducing personal computers and the concept of graphical user interfaces. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the evolution of computers and delve into the characteristics of the 4th generation.
The 4th generation of computers
The 4th generation of computers emerged in the mid-1970s, and the period lasted until the early 1980s. It was marked by the development of microprocessors, which made personal computers possible. Intel’s 4004 microprocessor was the first of its kind and had a clock speed of 740kHz, allowing it to perform 60,000 operations per second. This paved the way for more powerful microprocessors, such as the Intel 8080, which had a clock speed of 2 MHz and could execute up to 640,000 instructions per second.
The personal computer revolution
The introduction of microprocessors led to a surge in personal computer use, as they were smaller, more affordable, and easier to operate than mainframes. Apple Computer was one of the first companies to make personal computers widely accessible with the release of the Apple II in 1977. IBM followed suit with the IBM PC in 1981, which popularized the concept of desktop computers.
The graphical user interface
Another significant development during the 4th generation of computers was the introduction of the graphical user interface (GUI). Before the GUI, computers were primarily text-based and operated through command line interfaces. Xerox Corporation, an American company, was the first to develop the GUI with their Star computer in 1981. Apple adapted Xerox’s technology and released the Lisa in 1983, followed by the Macintosh in 1984. Microsoft also developed a GUI with Windows 1.0 in 1985.
Conclusion
The 4th generation of computers was a significant juncture in the history of computing, introducing microprocessors, personal computers, and the graphical user interface. Today, we take these technologies for granted, but it’s essential to understand their evolution and appreciate their impact on modern computing. By looking back at our computing roots, we can appreciate how far we’ve come and look forward to the future.
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