1. Microprocessors: 4th generation computers were the first to use microprocessors, which allowed for greater processing power and efficiency.
2. Increased memory capacity: 4th generation computers had significantly larger memory capacities compared to previous generations, allowing for more complex and advanced programs to be run simultaneously.
3. Improved speed and performance: The use of microprocessors and increased memory capacity in 4th generation computers led to improved speed and performance, making them much faster and more efficient than earlier generations.
4. Smaller size: 4th generation computers were much smaller and more compact than previous generations, thanks to advancements in technology that allowed for the integration of components onto a single chip.
5. Lower cost: The use of microprocessors and other advancements in technology made 4th generation computers more affordable and accessible to a wider range of users.
6. Increased reliability: 4th generation computers were more reliable and less prone to errors or malfunctions compared to earlier generations, thanks to advancements in hardware and software technology.
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Google Gemini AI
Jul 9
Characteristics of Fourth-Generation Computers (1971 - 1990):
- Microprocessor-based: Used integrated circuits (microprocessors) containing millions of transistors on single silicon chips. - Large-scale integration (LSI): Thousands to millions of transistors integrated into a single IC. - Miniaturization: Smaller size and increased portability due to the use of microprocessors. - Personal computers (PCs): Introduced in the early 1980s, PCs became accessible to individuals and small businesses. - Graphical user interface (GUI): User-friendly graphical interfaces with icons and menus replaced text-based commands. - Disk drives: Magnetic and optical storage devices (hard drives and CDs) provided large storage capacities. - Networking: Computers interconnected through local area networks (LANs) enabled data sharing and communication. - Operating systems: Multitasking operating systems, such as MS-DOS and Unix, improved resource management and user efficiency. - High-level programming languages: Object-oriented programming languages, such as C++, Java, and Smalltalk, facilitated software development. - Increased affordability: Falling hardware costs made computers more accessible to a wider audience.