With the third generation of computers, the development of computers was
further enhanced and innovations were obtained. Continued development made
third-generation computers more superior to second-generation computers.
This article discusses about the third generation of computers, its history,
examples, advantages and disadvantages, and much more. Let's understand this:
What You Will Learn
What is the third generation of Computer?
The development of third-generation computers is marked by the period when the
transistors were replaced by
integrated circuits. Integrated circuits (IC) were widely used as the main technology in
third-generation computers. In particular, the transistors were assembled on
silicon chips, called semiconductors, which resulted in faster speeds in the
computer and improved efficiency.
The development of computers using IC's had already begun in the 1960s, but
they were not in widespread use. However, from 1965 to 1971, almost all
computers were incorporated with the IC's. Therefore, the period of the third
generation of computers is considered from
1965 to 1971. Due to the use of an integrated circuit, the size of the computer was
reduced even more than the second generation computers. This helped to make
the computer more portable.
Note: An integrated circuit refers to a small electronic device
developed using semiconductor materials. A single integrated circuit consists
of multiple transistors, resistors, and capacitors with associated circuitry.
The device was jointly developed by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce around
1958–1959.
The following image shows the structural view of the integrated circuit:
In the third generation, computers had better input-output devices. The use of
keyboards and
monitors was introduced in place
of punched cards and printouts, which helped in increasing the speed of input
and output operations. Besides, remote processing, time-sharing, and
multiprogramming operating systems were also introduced in this generation,
which eventually allowed users to run multiple applications at once.
For the advancement of software, third-generation computers used high-end
languages such as COBOL, FORTRAN-II to IV, BASIC, PASCAL PL / 1, ALGOL-68,
etc. As a result, the computer was made more reliable than the previous
generation of computers.
Examples of Third Generation Computers
Some sources claim that the third generation of computers was started with the
development of the IBM 360 computer. It was developed to achieve high-speed
data processing for various scientific tasks such as weather forecasting,
space exploration, theoretical astronomy, and subatomic physics. However, the
development of this third-generation computer cost around $5 billion.
There were many successive models of IBM 360 computers. The IBM 360 Model 50
is said to be about 263 times faster than the first generation ENIAC computer.
Besides, it was capable of performing approximately 5,00,000 additions or
subtractions per second. The more advanced version of the IBM 360, called the
IBM 360 Model 91, was estimated to solve more than 1,000 problems, as well as
approximately 200 billion calculations in a second.
Although integrated circuits were the main component in third generation
computers, they are still in use in computers. However, they are not used as
the main component in today's computers. Even after many years, today's
generation (fifth generation) computers have their roots going back to the
third generation.
Some other examples of the third generation computers are listed below:
• IBM 370/168
• Honeywell 6000 series
• PDP 8 (where PDP means Personal Data Processor)
• PDP 11
• TDC 316
• ICL 2900, etc.
Characteristics of Third Generation Computers
Some essential characteristics or features of the third generation computers
are as follows:
• Use of integrated circuits (IC) as basic technology
• Use of high-level programming languages such as COBOL, FORTRAN-II to
IV, BASIC, PASCAL PL/1, ALGOL-68, etc.
• Use of keyboards and monitors as the input-output devices
• Use of line printers
• Use of magnetic storage devices
Advantages of Third Generation Computers
Some of the advantages of the third generation of computers are listed below:
• Integrated circuits helped make third-generation computers smaller
and portable than the previous generation.
• Third-generation computers were somewhat cheaper than computers that
used vacuum tubes and transistors in previous generations.
• Third-generation computers had a large storage capacity.
• The performance of input-output operations was improved due to the
use of the keyboard and monitor.
• Computers were relatively fast and reliable in the third generation
as compared to second-generation computers. They could calculate data in
nanoseconds.
• Computers were more energy-efficient than second-generation computers
and produced less heat.
• Due to better portability, the production of third-generation
computers for commercial use was easier and cheaper.
• Maintenance costs of computers in the third generation were
comparatively low due to low hardware failure rates.
Disadvantages of Third Generation Computers
Some of the disadvantages of the third generation of computers are listed
below:
• Even after using integrated circuits and producing less heat,
third-generation computers needed air conditioning systems.
• Highly sophisticated technology was required to manufacture
integrated circuits.
• Maintenance of integrated circuits was difficult.
• Although computers were somewhat cheaper than the previous generation
but still expensive for personal needs.
• Third-generation computers were a bit difficult to operate, requiring
formal training to learn how to use these computers.
Summary
The third generation period began in 1965 and ended in 1971. Third-generation
computers used integrated circuits as a core technique. Although the third
generation added some advantages to computer technology, there were still some
problems. This eventually led to the development of computers in the next
generation, called the fourth generation of computers.
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