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Third Generation of Computer

The third generation of computers used integrated circuits instead of transistors and were smaller, faster, more reliable and efficient. They utilized keyboards and monitors as input/output devices and operating systems that allowed running multiple applications simultaneously. Programming languages included FORTRAN and ALGOL. Key features were smaller size, speed, reliability, use of integrated circuits and languages. Popular third generation computers were IBM System/360, UNIVAC 1107/1108, PDP mini computers, and models from CDC, Honeywell and IBM.

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5K views2 pages

Third Generation of Computer

The third generation of computers used integrated circuits instead of transistors and were smaller, faster, more reliable and efficient. They utilized keyboards and monitors as input/output devices and operating systems that allowed running multiple applications simultaneously. Programming languages included FORTRAN and ALGOL. Key features were smaller size, speed, reliability, use of integrated circuits and languages. Popular third generation computers were IBM System/360, UNIVAC 1107/1108, PDP mini computers, and models from CDC, Honeywell and IBM.

Uploaded by

Jonathan Delos Santos
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Third Generation of Computer

The third generation of computers was in the years 1965-1971 and they used the (ICs)
Integrated circuits as the main internal component instead of transistors that were used in
the second generation of computers. The integrated circuits were invented by Jack Kilby of
Texas Instruments and Robert Noyce of Fairchild Semiconductor in 1958. Integrated circuit is
a component that contains more than one transistor. It is also called a chip or microchip. Each
integrated circuit consisted of resistors, transistors and capacitors. The third generation
computers were reliable, smaller in size and very efficient.

In the third generation they also introduced monitors and keyboards, where the keyboard
was the major component of input while the monitor served as the major component of
output. They were used with an operating system that allowed the computer to run many
applications within one specified time. It also had a central program that monitored the
memory.

They used a higher level of language which included FORTRAN that was introduced in 1956
and ALGOL that was introduced in 1958. The languages enabled the computers to understand
algebraic languages and functions, stimulation languages, procedure oriented languages,
Business oriented languages and extensible languages.

The main features of the third generation computers are:


1. They were smaller in size
2. They were faster and reliable
3. They required less maintenance
4. They used the integrated circuits
5. They generated less heat compared to the previous generations of computers
6. They were cheaper
7. They used a higher level of language
8. They used the magnetic core and solid states as the main storage.
9. The output and input device were more sophisticated

There were several types of the third generation computers, these include:
1. IBM System– it was announced by the International Business Machines Corporations in
the year 1964. It contained the hybrid integrated circuits that worked with in 32 bits word
with a 360 assembly language. It was also used in processing lunar landings in NASA. It was
very useful and valuable because its mainframe could run programs. It made a huge impact
in the computer world especially in terms of work load and power.
2. UNIVAC– It was introduced in 1964 when the integrated circuits replaced the thin memory
for register storage. They also had faster and smaller cores that were used in the UNIVAC
1107. In 1969 they produced an identical machine which was slower but cheaper for most of
the customers and people who needed it. It did not have enough memory to be used as the
UNIVAC 1108.
3. PDP (Personal Data Processor) – It was among the first mini computers to get to the
market. It was sold for 20,000$ for five years but the price reduced to 5,000$ and had a
memory of 4095 words. The computer was small in size, affordable and had a good speed.
4. TDC-316
5. IBM- 370-168
6. CDC 6600
7. Honeywell-6000 series

The advantages of the third generation computers were:


1. It had a good storage capacity.
2. It was less costly
3. The size was smaller making it portable
4. They generated less heat
5. It performed calculations in nanoseconds
6. Maintenance cost was low
7. It consumed less power
8. It was very reliable

The disadvantages of the third generation computers were:


1. It required air conditioning
2. It is highly sophisticated in technology therefore it is required in the manufacturing of
integrated circuit chips

There are some differences between the third generation computers and the second
generation computers. These include:
1. The second generation computers used transistors while the third generation computers
used the integrated circuits
2. The second generation computers measured the operating speed in microseconds while
the third generation computers measured the operating speed in nanoseconds
3. The second generation computers used the magnetic tapes as secondary storage while
the third generation computers used the magnetic disks for secondary storage.
4. The second generation computers used a high level of programing while the third
generation computers used a massive high level of language.
5. The second generation computers did not have the input and output while the third
generation computers had the keyboard as the major input and the monitor as the major
output component.

The third generation of computers is an upgrade of the second generation computers and it
made a great impact in the computer world because the third generation computers were
very fast, reliable and very accurate.

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