Third Generation Computers-History-Developers-Example

 Third generation computers, also known as "integrated circuit computers," were developed during the 1960s and 1970s. They represented a significant advancement over previous generations of computers in terms of technology, capabilities, and cost-effectiveness. In this blog post, we will explore the history, developers, characteristics, features, and examples of third generation computers.

Third Generation Computers- Characteristics of Third Generation Computers:

Characteristics of Third Generation Computers

• History of Third Generation Computers:

The third generation of computers, developed during the 1960s and 1970s, represented a major leap forward in terms of technology, capabilities, and cost-effectiveness. This was due to the development of the integrated circuit (IC), a tiny electronic device that could perform the same functions as a transistor but with much greater efficiency. ICs were significantly smaller and more reliable than transistors, and they made it possible to produce smaller, more powerful, and more affordable computers.

• Developers of Third Generation Computers:

The development of the IC is widely attributed to Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby, who independently developed the technology in the late 1950s. Noyce, working at Fairchild Semiconductor, developed the planar process, a method of manufacturing ICs that used a thin layer of silicon to hold the electronic components. Kilby, working at Texas Instruments, developed the first IC using a different process that involved using a slice of germanium instead of silicon.

The development of the IC made it possible for computer manufacturers to produce smaller, more powerful, and more affordable computers. IBM, which had dominated the mainframe computer market during the first and second generations, introduced the System/360, a family of third generation computers that used ICs. Other manufacturers, such as Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and Honeywell, also developed third generation computers that used ICs.

• Characteristics of Third Generation Computers:

Third generation computers were characterized by their use of ICs, which made them smaller, more powerful, and more affordable than previous generations of computers. They also had larger storage capacities and were able to process data much faster than their predecessors. Additionally, third generation computers were more reliable and required less maintenance than previous generations of computers.

• Features of Third Generation Computers:

Third generation computers featured several key advancements over previous generations of computers. Some of these advancements include:

• Use of ICs:
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• Third generation computers used ICs instead of transistors, which made them smaller, more powerful, and more affordable than previous generations of computers.
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• Larger storage capacities:

• Third generation computers had larger storage capacities than 1st & 2nd generations of computers, which allowed them to store more data.
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• Faster processing speeds:

• Third generation computers were able to process data much faster than first and second generations of computers.
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• Improved reliability:

• Third generation computers were more reliable and required less maintenance than previous 1st and 2nd generation.

• Increased use of operating systems:
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• Third generation computers made greater use of operating systems, which made them easier to use and allowed for more efficient use of resources.

• Examples of Third Generation Computers:

Some examples of third generation computers include:

• IBM System/360: This family of computers, introduced by IBM in the 1960s, used ICs and was one of the first third generation computers. It was widely used in businesses and government agencies.
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• DEC PDP-8: Developed by Digital Equipment Corporation in the 1960s,

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• Univac 1108: Developed by the UNIVAC division of Sperry Rand, the 1108 was
• a large, mainframe computer that used ICs. It was widely used in scientific and engineering applications.
• Honeywell 6000: The Honeywell 6000 was a family of computers that used ICs
• and was targeted at business and government customers.

• Conclusion:

Third generation computers, developed during the 1960s and 1970s, represented a major leap forward in terms of technology, capabilities, and cost-effectiveness. The development of the integrated circuit (IC) made it possible for computer manufacturers to produce smaller, more powerful, and more affordable computers. IBM, DEC, and Honeywell are just a few examples of the companies that developed third generation computers. These computers had larger storage capacities, faster processing speeds, improved reliability and increased use of operating systems than the first and second generation computers