The History and Evolution of Computers Essay Example

without risking overheating typical computers would face under such high demand.

The third generation brought further enhancements in speed and power through integrated circuits housing thousands of built-in transistors. These circuits were integrated into single computer chips, resulting in faster and more potent computers compared to their predecessors. Furthermore, computer chips' capacity for storing data significantly increased during this era, facilitating quick access to vast amounts of information. Operating systems also became mainstream at this time as they effectively managed overall computer activity.

Lastly, the fourth-generation witnessed the development of microprocessors which led to smaller and more affordable personal computers (PCs).Advancements in programming languages made specific-purpose computers easier to use, offering word processing applications, spreadsheet software, and early games. These computers utilized large floppy disks or cassette tapes for storage. In contrast, fifth-generation computers introduced parallel processing to enhance speed and performance by dividing tasks among multiple processors. Networking computers increased speed and improved task completion time. The decrease in PC prices resulted in a growing software ecosystem with numerous new applications and programs being added.

The Internet played a significant role in shaping the world today, particularly in the sixth-generation of computers. It enabled long-distance connections between people. A microprocessor is an integrated circuit that contains all the functions of a computer's CPU in one chip, although it can sometimes be found in multiple circuits. Essentially, it is a silicon chip with semiconductive features that houses a CPU. While the speed of a microprocessor is often determined by the frequency at which the CPU runs, there are exceptions to this rule.

For example, on September 5th, 2013, "Titian-2 (Milky-2)" in China was recognized as the fastest computer globally.

It consisted of several Intel Xenon E-2692 processors running at 2.2 GHz. Comparatively speaking, my Intel i3 550 runs at 3 GHz and my friend's Intel i7 KICK (overclocked) runs at 4.4 GHz;Despite having higher frequencies, these computers cannot match the performance of Xenon. Even if only one processor is used, Xenon would still significantly outperform other processors. While a higher CPU frequency doesn't always guarantee a faster microprocessor, it usually does. Microprocessors revolutionized computers by increasing their speed, reliability, and energy efficiency while being more compact compared to older mechanical processors. By integrating components and using a single circuit board, microprocessors became more efficient and powerful, with built-in memory improving reliability. This advancement made them more accessible and affordable to consumers.

The sixth-generation computers introduced faster CPU speeds, ageless technology, and enhanced networking capabilities through WANTS (Wireless Advanced Networking Technology System). In the 21st century, transistor count and overall microprocessor speed consistently increased following Moor's Law-like trend. Consequently, computer parts became cheaper and smaller, leading to the emergence of faster devices like tablets, cell phones, smartwatches,and TVs.

Throughout the first six generations of computing trends can be observed as technology progressed resulting in different types of computers being developed over time. With each new innovation people have grown dissatisfied with existing technology striving for better versions.The constant pursuit of improvement in computer technology continues today as we search for computers that can efficiently meet our demanding needs. There has been a noticeable shift from mechanical to electronic computing, with the focus on accomplishing more tasks with less effort. Advancements in the 20th and 21st centuries have greatly improved communication, interaction, and computing capabilities, including enhancements in

storage capacity and speed which result in faster task completion. Throughout generations, people's demands have driven advancements in computer technology. Each generation has its own unique features such as increased speed, improved portability, and reduced power consumption. For a "computer expert," it is crucial to understand the origins of computers and possess knowledge of parts and their functionality. In the first-generation, expertise on vacuum tubes and their impact on performance was essential. The second-generation required experts to focus on understanding the functionality of transistors which were a key innovation at that time. Moving into the third-generation necessitated deeper knowledge of transistors, capacitors, and resistors as they played a significant role in computer chips. Fourth-generation expertise required a thorough understanding of microprocessors and data input/output.During the fifth- and sixth-generations, computer experts needed to have a strong grasp of hardware knowledge as well as proficiency in computer coding for software and programs. They also needed a deep understanding of the Internet and HTML, along with familiarity with other popular online coding methods for graphics and websites. In addition, they were required to develop software that not only improved user experience but also addressed the mentioned tasks earlier in this paragraph.