Today, computers play the big role of our daily life. Did you know, we are using a computer to write and share this information? So, it is important to know how are developing these amazing machines over time.
The first and second generations are starting steps in computer development. They slowly shaped the path for the advanced computers that we use today. After these two generations. The third generation of computers came with major improvements.
Now, let us know the third generation of computers in a simple and clear way.
Who Invented Third Generation Computer
This invention discovered in 12 September 1958, by Jack Kilby. An electrical engineer from Texas Instruments developed the integrated circuit (IC).
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Third generation computers used integrated circuits; instead of vacuum tubes and transistors. ICs were small and compact those allow reducing the overall size of computers. These computers must be keeping in small rooms. They also used less power and generated less heat.
Third Generation of Computer Examples
There are many amazing Examples of Third Generation Computers, including:
1) IBM 360 (System/360)
IBM 360 is one of the best examples of 4th generation computer that established by IBM, in 1964. It is one of the most popular third generation computers. This is going to use for both business and scientific work.
It uses integrated circuits (ICs) and allows easy upgrades.
Used IBM 360 in universities, research centers, and businesses like data cleaning.
2) PDP-8 (Programmed Data Processor-8)
Now, we talk next example, is Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) that designed the PDP 8 in 1965. As you know, this was first successful minicomputer.
It is small, popular, and fit in offices and labs.
PDP-8 is using like lab control, small businesses, and teaching purposes.
3) Honeywell 6000 Series
Let we discuss next example that is Honeywell 6000 Series; this designed in 1965. It is a mainframe computer that used like business and scientific work.
It supports multitasking and time sharing. So, many users are work at the same time.
Used like payroll, data management, and large business operations.
4) UNIVAC 1108
The UNIVAC 1108 developed by Sperry Rand in 1965. It is a powerful computer that uses integrated circuits.
It helps to multiprocessing that means many programs to be running together.
Used in banking, engineering, and scientific research.
5) ICL 1900 Series
ICL 1900 Series developed in 1965 by International Computers Limited (UK).
Mainly used like business work, accounting, and research.
It helps many terminals, allowing multiple users to work at the same time.
6) CDC 6600
CDC 6600 also introduced in 1964 by Control Data Corporation. This is also known as the first supercomputer.
It was the fastest computer of its time.
It is using like weather forecasting, atomic research, and complex calculations.
7) IBM 370
Now ,we proceed to next example that is IBM 370; established in 1970. It is an advanced version of IBM 360.
It offers better speed, storage, and reliability and supports virtual memory.
IBM 370 is used in banks, airlines, and research organizations.
8) PDP-11
Next one is PDP-11 that developed in 1970 by DEC. They are one of the most successful minicomputers.
It is compact, easy to use, and helps many operating systems.
This is using in engineering, automation, and education.
9) TDC 316
TDC 316 was developed by ECIL (India) in 1970s that is a 16 bit minicomputer.
It shows India’s ability in computer development.
It is used in laboratories, industries, and defense work.
10) Burroughs B6500
Now we talk next example that is Burroughs B6500; developed in 1969. It is designed mainly like business computing.
Supports high-level programming languages.
It is used a financial work, databases, and commercial applications.
Characteristics of Third Generation Computers
- Third generation computers used Integrated Circuits (ICs).
- They were more reliable and efficient than second generation computers.
- These computers are small in size and must be keeping in small rooms.
- They produced less heat and used less power.
- As you know, it procures less heat; so air conditioners were not needed.
- These to be using by Keyboard, mouse, and joystick they are input devices.
- High level languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and BASIC to be using.
- These computers were faster than earlier generations.
- They help multiprogramming and multitasking.
- Main memory was built in to store data temporarily like quick work.
- VLSI and ULSI chips were using, which made computers more compact and powerful.
Features of Third Generation Computers
Third generation computers were developed with many new and improved features. These features made computers faster, smaller, and easier to use than earlier generations.
The main electronic part of third generation computers was the Integrated Circuit (IC). Earlier, second generation computers used transistors. First generation computers used vacuum tubes. In this generation, small transistors were placed on silicon chips that helping to increase speed and efficiency. IBM was the first to introduce a commercial IC-based computer. They build the start of third generation computers.
- These computers allowed using magnetic core memory, magnetic disks, and magnetic tapes like storage.
- High level programming languages like PASCAL, FORTRAN, BASIC, C, and COBOL are using.
- They were smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than second generation computers.
- Input and output devices included monitors, keyboards, printers, and magnetic tapes.
- They worked using computer memory that help to increase speed.
- Due to their small size, installation was easy.
- They produced less heat and used less energy than earlier computers.
- VLSI and ULSI chips were using to make computers compact.
- Keyboards and mouse replaced punch cards.
- Integrated circuits replaced individual transistors.
- The storage capacity was high in this generation.
- Due to reduced size, these computers have another name the mini computers.
Technology used in Third Generation of Computers
- Third generation computers used integrated circuits (ICs) as their main technology.
- High level programming languages like COBOL, FORTRAN-II, and PASCAL were using as like programming.
- Keyboard and mouse introduced as input devices.
- Monitors used as like output instead of paper tapes and printouts.
- Magnetic storage devices were using to store data.
What are the Third generation of computer advantages and disadvantages?
In this section, our team will guide you several benefits and drawbacks of 3rd generation computer, including:
Advantages of Third-Generation of Computer
The third generation computers had the following benefits:
- The data storage capacity of these computers was much better than earlier computers.
- Third generation computers must process data in nanoseconds, so they were very fast.
- Their maintenance had low cost as compared to previous generations.
- They were smaller and more portable than second generation computers.
- Used for remote processing, time-sharing, and multiprogramming operating systems
- They were better than earlier computers.
- These computers were cheaper, smaller, and used less power.
- The processing speed was much improved than previous generations.
- They had more storage capacity. It is using magnetic disks as secondary storage.
- They produced less heat than earlier computers.
Disadvantages of Third-Generation of Computer
Third generation computers had some drawbacks, like:
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- Because they used integrated circuits, it maintenance was difficult.
- Making IC chips needed advanced technology.
- These computers needs air conditioning to keep them cool.
- They were cheaper than earlier computers. But, still expensive like personal use.
- Operating these computers was not very easy.
- Require proper training to use them.
- Their speed was much slower as compared to today’s computers.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Third Generation of Computer?
The Third generation of computer established by (1964 to 1971) that used integrated circuits (ICs) instead of transistors.
These computers were smaller, faster, and more reliable. It is to be using less power than earlier computers.
What Defines The Third Generation Of Computers?
They used integrated circuits (ICs) first of transistors. It is build computers smaller, faster, and more reliable.
When Did The Third Generation Of Computers Exist?
Now we talk that 3rd generation of computers that established in 1964 to 1971.
What Are Examples Of Third Generation Computers?
Now we talk example that is IBM System/360 or Honeywell 6000 series.
Final Remarks
With each stage of development, computers became better, and their problems reduced. Third generation computers brought a big change in computer technology.
Many new features added in this generation. Computers started being use more widely. It is not only by big companies but also for personal use.
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Development continued further into the fourth generation computer and after. Even today, many ideas used in modern computers started from the third generation.
