The correct answer is: B. second generation of computers
The second generation of computers, which used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, triggered the explosion of interest in information processing. Transistors are much smaller and faster than vacuum tubes, and they generate less heat. This made it possible to build smaller, faster, and more reliable computers.
The first generation of computers, which used vacuum tubes, were large, expensive, and unreliable. They were used primarily for scientific and military purposes.
The third generation of computers, which used integrated circuits, was a major step forward in the development of computers. Integrated circuits are small chips that contain many transistors. This made it possible to build even smaller, faster, and more reliable computers.
The fourth generation of computers, which used microprocessors, was another major step forward. Microprocessors are small chips that contain the entire central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. This made it possible to build even smaller, faster, and more powerful computers.
The fifth generation of computers, which is still in development, is based on artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a field of computer science that deals with the creation of intelligent agents, which are systems that can reason, learn, and act autonomously. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with computers.
In conclusion, the second generation of computers, which used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, triggered the explosion of interest in information processing.