Fourth Generation (1971-1992)
The fourth generation computers were defined by microprocessors. This made computers much smaller, cheaper, and more efficient. In addition, air conditioning was no longer required. Computers became so cheap that anybody could buy a computer. The internet was also introduced in this generation.
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/7/0/25706034/6367329.gif)
- The first microprocessor was the Intel 4004 computer microprocessor. It was made in 1971 by Faggin, Hoff, and Mazor. This invention made computers smaller, and cheaper. So much so that one could be purchased by a household.
- Also In 1971, the floppy disk was invented by Alan Shugart while he was working for IBM. It was nicknamed "floppy" for its flexibility and was the first way of easily transferring information.
- The commodore PET was made in 1977. It was much cheaper than many other computers of this time period, but you got what you paid for. It was nicknamed the commode-or for its unreliability.