The 4th Generation was from 1971 to the present day. The goal overall was to reduce the overall computer size. The fourth generation is characterized by microprocessors which made it possible to build a computer that fits on a desktop. The computers can also compute billions per second (even though most of us use calculators instead) and are affordable to almost anyone. The ALTAIR is credited with being the first successful example of this new technology. The BASIC programming language that was created for this machine was developed by Bill Gates who created the Microsoft company. The Apple II computer, which could run software programs like VisiCalc, an electronic spreadsheet program, attracted businesses to using computers more. In 1981, IBM released the personal computer (Windows based PC) and the device became a top seller, which continues to evolve today.
BASIC was developed in the 1960s by John Kemeney and Thomas Kurtz. BASIC stands for Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. It is one of the earliest and simplest high-level programming languages. BASIC is used for a wide variety of business applications. There are many versions of BASIC, including the ANSI standard and Microsoft's popular Visual Basic. Currently Microsoft Word and Excel both come with a version of BASIC that users can use to customize and automate these applications.
The Apple II computer was built in this generation in 1977. Even though Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak both worked on the computer, it is said that Steve Wozniak actually did the work. There was a microcomputer that allowed one to connect the Apple II to his/her television set. There were up to 16 fixed colors on this technology.
More information on this computer is found on this link:
http://applemuseum.bott.org/sections/computers/aII.html
IBM developed a personal computer, which is a Windows based PC in 1981. The project of making this has been kept a secret for a long time. This computer ran on a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 microprocessor. Time Magazine named this computer "man of the year". More information on this computer is found on this link: http://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htm
BASIC was developed in the 1960s by John Kemeney and Thomas Kurtz. BASIC stands for Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. It is one of the earliest and simplest high-level programming languages. BASIC is used for a wide variety of business applications. There are many versions of BASIC, including the ANSI standard and Microsoft's popular Visual Basic. Currently Microsoft Word and Excel both come with a version of BASIC that users can use to customize and automate these applications.
The Apple II computer was built in this generation in 1977. Even though Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak both worked on the computer, it is said that Steve Wozniak actually did the work. There was a microcomputer that allowed one to connect the Apple II to his/her television set. There were up to 16 fixed colors on this technology.
More information on this computer is found on this link:
http://applemuseum.bott.org/sections/computers/aII.html
IBM developed a personal computer, which is a Windows based PC in 1981. The project of making this has been kept a secret for a long time. This computer ran on a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 microprocessor. Time Magazine named this computer "man of the year". More information on this computer is found on this link: http://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htm