Third Generation Of Computer (1965-1971)

The third generation of computer marks a significant leap in the evolution of computer technology. After the first and second generations, which saw massive developments in hardware and software, the third generation introduced even more powerful and efficient machines. This generation of computers, which emerged in the 1960s and lasted through the early 1970s, made computers more accessible, faster, and smaller. Let’s explore the third generation of computers, its key features, developments, and the impact it had on the world.

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What Is third generation of computer

The third generation of computers refers to computers built using integrated circuits (ICs), which replaced the bulky transistors of earlier computers. These ICs are small chips that contain many transistors, making computers faster, smaller, and more reliable. The third generation introduced high-level programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN, making it easier to write software. Computers from this era were more affordable and accessible compared to earlier models, and they were used in businesses, universities, and government institutions for tasks like data processing and scientific research. This generation of computers helped pave the way for modern computing.

First Generation Of Computer	Second Generation Of Computer
Fourth Generation Of Computers	Fifth Generation Of Computer

Features of Third-Generation Computer

The third generation of computers introduced several important features that made them more powerful, efficient, and accessible.

Integrated Circuits (ICs): One of the biggest advancements in the third generation was the use of integrated circuits. An integrated circuit is a tiny chip that contains thousands, and even millions, of transistors, resistors, and capacitors. ICs are much smaller than the transistors used in the second generation and offer higher efficiency and speed.

Smaller Size: Due to the use of integrated circuits, computers became much smaller compared to their predecessors. The bulky machines that once filled entire rooms could now be placed on desks, making them more accessible and easier to maintain.

Faster Processing: Integrated circuits allowed computers to process information much faster. The third-generation computers were capable of performing millions of calculations per second, drastically improving computational speed.

More Reliable: The use of ICs also made computers more reliable. Unlike vacuum tubes, which had a short lifespan and often overheated, the integrated circuits were much more durable and less prone to failure.

Multitasking Capabilities: Operating systems introduced multitasking, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously. For example, businesses could now process payroll while simultaneously managing inventory.

Lower Cost: While still expensive compared to today’s computers, the third-generation machines were more affordable than the earlier generations. Their smaller size and greater reliability made them cheaper to produce, which made them available to a larger number of organizations and even some businesses.

Programming Languages: The third generation also saw the rise of more sophisticated programming languages. High-level programming languages like COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) and FORTRAN (Formula Translation) became widely used. These languages made it easier for programmers to write software without needing to focus on low-level machine operations.

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Examples of Third Generation Computers

Several notable computers emerged during the third generation, showcasing the advancements of the era:

IBM 360 Series: One of the most famous third-generation computers was the IBM 360 series, introduced in 1964. The IBM 360 was a family of mainframe computers that could run a wide range of applications, from scientific calculations to business tasks. The IBM 360 was highly influential and helped standardize the computing industry.

DEC PDP-8: The PDP-8, introduced by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1965, was one of the first minicomputers. It was small, affordable, and helped spread the use of computers to smaller organizations and research institutions.

CDC 6600: Developed by Control Data Corporation, the CDC 6600 was one of the fastest computers of its time. It was designed for scientific and engineering applications that required high-speed processing.

UNIVAC 1108: The UNIVAC 1108 was another example of a third-generation computer. Developed by Sperry Rand, this machine used integrated circuits and was used in various scientific and military applications.

Limitations of Third Generation Computers

High Cost: third-generation computers were still expensive. Only large companies, government organizations, and universities could afford them.

Large Size: third-generation computers, especially mainframes, were still large and often took up entire rooms. This made them difficult to set up and maintain.

Limited Processing Power: Third-generation computers were faster than previous models, but they still had limited processing power compared to modern computers.

Complex Programming: Programming third-generation computers was complicated. People needed specialized knowledge and had to use low-level programming languages like COBOL or FORTRAN, which were harder to learn and use.

Limited Software: The software available for third-generation computers was mostly specific to certain industries or applications. There was not much variety in software, especially for general-purpose use.

Maintenance Challenges: Although they used integrated circuits, third-generation computers still required a lot of maintenance. They were complex machines that needed experts for repair, making it costly and time-consuming to keep them running smoothly.

Conclusion

The third generation of computers represented a major leap forward in the development of computing technology. The introduction of integrated circuits made computers faster, smaller, and more reliable, while advancements in programming languages and operating systems helped make computers more accessible and user-friendly. The third generation laid the groundwork for the future of computing, setting the stage for the personal computers and digital technologies that would follow in the subsequent generations. Although third-generation computers had limitations, they played a crucial role in the evolution of modern computing and continue to influence the technology we use today.

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