3 rd GENERATION COMPUTERS SINCE:1964-1971 Designed by Deepak dixit
Introduction: The third generation of computers, spanning from 1964 to 1971, brought a transformative shift in computing technology, thanks to the introduction of Integrated Circuits (ICs). These tiny chips, which integrated multiple transistors into a single component, revolutionized how computers were designed and functioned. This generation marked the movement from bulky, unreliable, and expensive machines toward faster, smaller, and more reliable systems, making computers more accessible to businesses and industries worldwide
Key Features of Third-Generation Computers : Integrated Circuits (ICs): The primary feature of third-generation computers was the use of ICs, replacing the use of discrete transistors and allowing for more compact designs. Increased Speed and Efficiency : With ICs, processing speed improved dramatically, reducing the time taken to execute instructions and allowing for faster data handling Smaller Size : Due to ICs' high level of integration, third-generation computers were significantly smaller, marking the move toward more compact and portable computing devices Improved Software : The development of more advanced operating systems allowed better resource management, time-sharing, and multiprocessing, enhancing user interaction Lower Power Consumption and Heat : Integrated circuits used less power and generated less heat compared to earlier systems, making computers more energy-efficient.
Technical Advancements: Use of Integrated Circuits : ICs allowed thousands of electronic components to be packed into a single silicon chip. This miniaturization improved overall performance and reliability Advanced Memory Systems : The use of magnetic core memory became widespread, improving the capacity, reliability, and speed of data storage. Disk-based storage systems also saw significant advancements. Development of Operating Systems : The introduction of time-sharing systems allowed multiple users to interact with a single computer, a huge leap forward in efficiency. This era saw the birth of more sophisticated operating systems such as IBM’s OS/360. High-Level Programming Languages : High-level languages like COBOL and FORTRAN gained widespread use, making programming more accessible and efficient for a broader range of tasks . Multiprocessing and Multitasking : Computers could handle multiple programs simultaneously through multiprocessing capabilities, allowing for more complex and diverse applications.
Impact on Industries: Business and Finance : The third-generation computers allowed businesses to automate processes such as payroll, inventory management, and customer databases. Industries like banking adopted computers for data processing, account management, and transactions Science and Engineering : With increased computational power, third-generation computers became essential in complex simulations, engineering design, and scientific research, accelerating developments in these fields. Government and Defense : Governments and military organizations utilized these computers for data analysis, simulations, and communication, enhancing national security and decision-making processes. Healthcare : The healthcare industry started utilizing computers for data storage, patient records management, and medical research, leading to the digitization of healthcare.
Transition to the Fourth Generation : The transition from the third to the fourth generation of computers began in the early 1970s, when microprocessors were introduced, marking another leap in miniaturization. A single chip, now called a microprocessor, could hold the entire processing unit of a computer. This led to the development of personal computers (PCs) and the mass production of affordable, small, and powerful computing devices. Conclusion: The third generation of computers played a pivotal role in advancing computing technology. By introducing integrated circuits, it made computers smaller, faster, more reliable, and accessible to a broader range of industries. This laid the groundwork for the fourth generation, where microprocessors and personal computers would dominate. The third generation stands as a bridge between early, bulky machines and the sleek, powerful computers that have become an integral part of modern life.