Fourth generation computers

 Features:

• The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits we rebuilt onto a single silicon chip. 

• Two typical components of a CPU are:

• The arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations.

• The control unit, which extracts instructions from memory and decodes and executes them, calling on the ALU when necessary.

• Microprocessors control the logic of almost all digital devices, from clock radios to fuel-injection systems for automobiles.

• The features of this generation computers are as follows:

1. These computers were based on micro processor.

2. these small computer could be linked together to form networks,

3. Processing speed increased up to picoseconds.

4. These computers are powerful, affordable, fast, portable and reliable.

5. Fourth generation computers are the cheapest among all the other generation computers.

Summarized features:

1. VLSI technology used  

2. Fourth Generation computers became more powerful, compact, reliable, and affordable

3. Use of PC's (development of microcomputer with microprocessor )

4. Very small size  

5. Pipeline processing

6.   No A.C. needed 

7.  Concept of internet was introduced

8.   Great developments in the fields of networks  

9. development of mouse, GUIs concept with handheld devices.

10. In this generation Time sharing, Real time, Networks, Distributed Operating System were used.

11. High level language was used.

e.g.  PDP 11