History of Computers

Front

Easy to understand by humans, is highly abstracted, contains very large vocabulary, is ambiguous

Back

High level language

Front

Easy to understand by computers, very little abstraction, small vocabulary, not ambiguous (only one interpretation)

Back

Low level language

Front

Programs must be compiled or translated to this before it can be processed by a computer

Back

Machine code

Front

A device that does not use electricity when operating it

Back

Mechanical Device

Front

Computers that used vacuum tubes;

1940 - 1956

Back

1st Generation Computers

Front

Computer that used transistors;

1956 - 1963

Back

2nd Generation Computers

Front

Computers that used integrated circuits;

1964 - 1971

Back

3rd Generation Computers

Front

Computers that use a microprocessor;

1972 - 2010

Back

4th Generation Computers

Front

Computers that use artificial intelligence;

2010 present

Back

5th Generation Computers

Front

Concept that means details are hidden; used in higher level languages

Back

Abstraction