Five Computer Generations

Devices still being developed today are based on this concept, where computers respond to natural language input and are capable of learning and self-organization.

• artificial intelligence

• microcomputer

• microprocessor

• semiconductor

The development of these marked the beginning of the third generation of computers.

• integrated circuit

• microprocessor

• semiconductor

• transistor

Unlike the earlier generation of computers that were big enough to fill an entire room, these only take up reasonable space on a desk.

• microcomputer

• portable computer

• minicomputer

• mainframe

It is an integrated circuit that contains the entire central processing unit of a computer on a single silicon chip.

• microprocessor

• integrated circuit

• silicon

• transistor

It is a material that is halfway between an insulator and a conductor.

• semiconductor

• conductor

• insulator

• copper

It is a semiconductor device that can be used for amplification, switching, voltage stabilization, signal modulation and other electronic functions.

• transistor

• integrated circuit

• microprocessor

• vacuum tube

These are electronic devices that control the flow of electrons in a vacuum.

• vacuum tube

• transistor

• integrated circuit

• microprocessor