-The period of fourth generation was from 1971 to 1980. -it was VLSI microprocessor based. -What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand. -In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user. -and in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh. -As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks. -which eventually led to the development of the Internet. -Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and handheld devices. http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/2002/FiveGenerations.asp