The period of the fourth generation dates from 1971 to 1980.
The fourth generation computers are characterized by a bigger amount of power, smaller size, more reliability and less expenses.
New circuits, such as the Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits were introduced.
Because of these new circuits, the microcomputer was able to rise, due to their 5000+ transistors, circuit elements and their associated circuits on a single chip.
All these new inventions played a major role in the technical revolution of computers and resulted in the rise of the first PC ( personal computer).
Many higher level languages such as C and C++, DBASE, etc. were now utilized.
Time sharing, real time, networks and distributed operating systems were part of the reason for the now smoother running computers.
Some computers of this generation were:
- DEC 10
- STAR 1000
- PDP 11
- CRAY-1 (Super Computer)
- CRAY-X-MP (Super Computer)
The PDP 11
The super computer CRAY-X-MP
The main features of this generation are:
- VLSI technology used
- Affordable
- Portable
- Use of PC
- Pipeline processing
- No more air conditioning needed
- Introduction of the internet concept
- Great developments in the fields of networks
- Computers became accesible to the public
