Partition according to computer tradition

In the first stage (1946~ 1959), the main features of this generation of computers are the use of electronic vacuum tubes as logic elements, delay lines or magnetic drums as memory, machine language as software and symbolic language.

In the second stage (1959~ 1964), the main feature of this generation of computers is that transistors are used instead of electronic vacuum tubes as logic elements, and advanced programming languages and the concept of operating system appear in software.

The third stage (1964~ 1970) The main feature of this generation of computers is that transistors are replaced by small and medium-sized integrated circuits, and the memory still uses magnetic cores. The operating system is further developed and popularized.

In the fourth stage (1970~ now), the main feature of this generation of computers is the use of large-scale integrated circuits as logic elements, and the main memory also uses large-scale integrated circuits, so products combined with hardware appear in software.