Outline the evolution of computers across the five generations.

1. First Generation (1940s-1950s):
- Vacuum tube technology was used in the first generation of computers.
- These computers were large, expensive, and required a lot of power to operate.
- They were primarily used for scientific and military purposes.
- Examples include the ENIAC and UNIVAC computers.

2. Second Generation (1950s-1960s):
- Transistors replaced vacuum tubes in the second generation of computers.
- These computers were smaller, faster, and more reliable than their predecessors.
- They were used for business applications and data processing.
- Examples include the IBM 1401 and IBM 7090 computers.

3. Third Generation (1960s-1970s):
- Integrated circuits, or microchips, were introduced in the third generation of computers.
- These computers were even smaller, faster, and more powerful than before.
- They were used for time-sharing and multi-programming.
- Examples include the IBM System/360 and DEC PDP-11 computers.

4. Fourth Generation (1970s-1990s):
- Microprocessors were developed in the fourth generation of computers.
- These computers were even smaller, faster, and more affordable than previous generations.
- They were used for personal computing and networking.
- Examples include the Apple II and IBM PC computers.

5. Fifth Generation (1990s-present):
- Artificial intelligence and parallel processing technologies are used in the fifth generation of computers.
- These computers are highly advanced, with capabilities such as speech recognition and natural language processing.
- They are used for tasks such as data mining, robotics, and virtual reality.
- Examples include supercomputers like IBM's Watson and Google's DeepMind.

First Generation (1940s - early 1950s)
- Technology: Vacuum tubes
- Characteristics:
- Large, room-sized
- Limited memory and storage
- Slow computation speed
- Used for scientific and military applications
- Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC I

Second Generation (mid-1950s - early 1960s)
- Technology: Transistors
- Characteristics:
- Smaller and more reliable than first-generation computers
- Increased memory and storage capacity
- Faster computation speed
- Examples: IBM 7090, CDC 3600

Third Generation (mid-1960s - early 1970s)
- Technology: Integrated circuits (ICs)
- Characteristics:
- Much smaller than previous generations
- Significantly increased memory and storage capacity
- Faster and more versatile computing
- Examples: IBM System/360, DEC PDP-11

Fourth Generation (mid-1970s - early 1980s)
- Technology: Microprocessors
- Characteristics:
- Extremely small and portable
- Dramatically increased computing power
- Introduction of personal computers and graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
- Examples: Intel 4004, Apple II, IBM PC

Fifth Generation (mid-1980s - present)
- Technology: Very large scale integration (VLSI) and beyond
- Characteristics:
- Continued miniaturization and increased computing power
- Advancements in networking, internet connectivity, and cloud computing
- Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing capabilities
- Examples: Intel Core i9, Apple M1, Google Quantum Computer