The development of computers began in the first generation, but there were
some problems such as size, speed, reliability, and more. All these problems
drove development forward and aimed to minimize such issues to the maximum
extent. This eventually introduced the second generation of computer.
In this article, we are going to discuss about the second generation of
computers, its history, examples, advantages and disadvantages, and more.
What You Will Learn
What is the second generation of Computer?
Second-generation computers were developed using
transistors as the basic component
instead of vacuum tubes used in the first generation. The transistors were
much better than vacuum tubes because the transistors were of relatively small
size, fast in speed, and cheap in cost. In addition, the transistor consumed
less energy and allowed the computer to be more reliable.
Although the transistor was invented in 1947, it was not in use in computers.
Transistors were used in many electronic devices in the late 1950s. Later, it
was also incorporated into computers in place of vacuum tubes. Because the
first transistor-based computer, called the TX-0, was introduced in 1956, some
sources say the second generation started in 1956. However, from 1959 to 1965,
transistors were widely used in computers. Therefore, the period of the second
generation of computers is considered from
1959 to 1965.
Note: A transistor refers to a semiconductor device that helps amplify
or switch electronic signals and electrical power. It was invented at Bell
Labs jointly by three individuals, William Shockley, Walter Houser Brattain,
and John Bardeen in 1947.
The following image shows the structural view of transistors:
Unlike the first generation computers, the computers in the second generation
used assembly language instead of binary machine language. This allowed
developers to input instructions in words. Also, high-level languages like
COBOL and FORTRAN were introduced as the early versions which were also used
in the second generation computers. The second-generation computers typically
used batch processing combined with the multiprogramming operating system.
In addition, computers used magnetic cores as primary memory and magnetic
tapes and disks as other storage devices. These computers were referred to as
the first type of computers that could store instructions in their memory due
to the use of magnetic core technology.
Examples of Second Generation Computers
Second-generation computers used arithmetic circuits and sets of index
resistors, making these computers relatively different from computers
developed in the first generation using vacuum tubes. Due to such circuits in
the second generation, computers had an isolate input and output operations
that eventually helped to manage both fixed-point and floating-point
operations efficiently.
Second-generation computers were widely used for commercial purposes,
especially for businesses and scientific jobs.
UNIVAC 1108, CDC 3600, IBM 7070, and IBM 7094 are great examples
of second-generation computers.
The second-generation series of computers from IBM saw approximately six times
higher computational speed than computers developed using vacuum tubes in the
first generation. In particular, the IBM 7090 was built using over 50,000
transistors, and extremely fast magnetic cores. It is believed that when the
eight data channels were used jointly, the IBM 7090 was capable of performing
approximately 3,000,000 bits of R / W operations per second. More practically,
it can process about 229,000 additions or subtractions or 39,500
multiplications, or 32,700 divisions in a second.
Some other examples of the second generation computers are listed below:
• CDC 1604
• CDC 3600
• IBM 1400 series
• IBM 1600 series
• IBM 7000 series
• Honeywell 400, etc.
Characteristics of Second Generation Computers
Some essential characteristics or features of the second generation computers
are as follows:
• Use of transistors as basic technology
• Based on assembly language and high-level programming languages
• Telephone line access for communication
• Use of magnetic cores as primary memory, and magnetic tapes and
magnetic disks as secondary storage devices
• Use of Paper Tape as an Output Device (output were given in printouts
only)
Advantages of Second Generation Computers
Some of the advantages of the second generation of computers are listed below:
• Due to the use of transistors, second-generation computers were
comparatively small and portable.
• Second-generation computers used less energy and generated less
amount of heat than first-generation computers.
• Computers were relatively cheaper in the second generation than the
first generation of computers.
• The problem of hardware failure was somewhat reduced compared to
first-generation computers.
• Second-generation computers were more reliable and faster. They could
calculate data in microseconds.
Disadvantages of Second Generation Computers
Some of the disadvantages of the second generation of computers are listed
below:
• Even after the second generation computers generated comparatively
low heat than the first generation computers, the cooling system was still
required.
• Second-generation computers required continuous maintenance for
proper functioning.
• Punch cards were still used as input devices in second generation
computers, slowing down the input process like the first generation computers.
• Although second-generation computers were somewhat cheaper than
first-generation computers, they were still expensive.
• Second-generation computers were used for specific requirements and
their commercial production was also difficult.
Summary
The second-generation period began in 1959 and ended in 1965. The
second-generation computers used transistors as the core component. Although
the idea was to add more advantages to second-generation computers than
first-generation computers, second-generation computers still had some
disadvantages. This eventually led to the development of computers in the next
generation, called the third generation of computers.
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