The second generation of computers, which emerged during the late 1950s and early 1960s,
marked a significant advancement in computing technology. Let’s delve into the details:
1. Transistor Computers:
o These machines are often referred to as second-generation computers.
o Instead of using vacuum tubes (which were prevalent in first-generation computers), they
employed discrete transistors.
o Transistors were smaller, more reliable, and generated less heat compared to vacuum tubes.
o This transition led to computers becoming smaller, faster, and more affordable.
2. Advantages of Second-Generation Computers:
o Improved Reliability: Transistors were more robust and less prone to failure than vacuum tubes.
o Reduced Heat Generation: Transistors produced significantly less heat, enhancing overall system
stability.
o Smaller Size: The use of transistors allowed for more compact computer designs.
o Increased Speed: Second-generation computers operated at higher clock speeds.
3. Examples of Famous Second-Generation Computers:
o IBM 1401: A popular business computer that used transistors and magnetic core memory.
o UNIVAC 1107: Another notable machine from this era, known for its computational power.
o CDC 1604: A transistorized computer developed by Control Data Corporation.
1. Technology Components:
o First Generation:
Used vacuum tubes for memory and circuitry in the central processing unit (CPU).
Vacuum tubes were large, generated a lot of heat, and were prone to frequent failures.
o Second Generation:
Employed transistors instead of vacuum tubes.
Transistors were smaller, more reliable, and consumed less power.
This shift allowed for smaller, faster, and more affordable computers.
2. Size and Speed:
o First Generation:
Computers were huge and referred to as mainframes.
Operated at low speeds.
o Second Generation:
Computers were smaller and termed mini-computers.
Averaged 10 times faster than first-generation machines.
3. Memory and Storage:
o First Generation:
Main memory was in the form of magnetic drums, magnetic tape, and punch cards.
Used machine code as the programming language.
o Second Generation:
Utilized RAM and ROM for main memory.
Magnetic cores served as primary memory, while magnetic tape and magnetic discs were
secondary storage devices.
High-level programming languages like FORTRAN and COBOL were used.
4. Cost and Accessibility:
o First Generation:
Computers were expensive, limiting access to large organizations. Input and output
devices were slow.
Consumed significant electricity and generated heat.
o Second Generation:
Transistors made computers more affordable. Input/output devices
improved.
Less power consumption and reduced heat emission.
Second Generation Of Computers
The second generation computers were used during 1957-1963. They are also known as transistor
computers. The second generation of computers consists of two types of devices, transistors, and
magnetic core. The transistors helped to develop a better computer than the first generation computers
consisting of vacuum tubes. Some second generation of computers are IBM 1920, IBM 7094, CDC 1604,
CDC 3600, IBM 1401, etc.
Characteristics of the second generation of computer are:
Smaller in size: The Second generation of computers are much more smaller in size than the first
generation computers.
Change in circuits: The main change is the use of transistors in place of vacuum tubes( Vacuum
tubes are used in first generation of computers).
Power/ Energy Requirement: The second generation of computers requires less amount of energy
(i.e. electricity) compared to the first generation of computers and produces less heat than the first-
generation computer.
Language used: Assembly language is used instead of Machine Language(used in first-generation
computers) for programming in computers.
Speed: Calculation of data could be done in microseconds.
Cost: The cost of Second-generation computers is reduced in comparison to first-generation
computers.
Advantages of second-generation computers:
They are smaller in size as compare to the first generation.
It is more reliable
Uses less power and generates less heat.
The speed of the second generation is faster as compared to the first generation.
Second generation computers have improved accuracy and offer better portability.
Disadvantages of second-generation computers:
As we know, that they generate less heat but still require a cooling system.
They require frequent maintenance.
The commercial production of second generation computers is difficult.
They are used only for some specific purpose.
They use punch cards for input.
First Generation Computers Second Generation Computers
First generation computers use vacuum tubes. Second generation computers use transistors.
The size of first generation computers is huge. The size of second generation computers is small.
It uses more power and produces more heat. It uses less power and produces less heat.
Its speed is slow. Its speed is high.
First generation computers use machine language Second generation computers use assembly language.
In first generation computers, the main memory is in In second generation computers, the main memory is in
the form of magnetic drums. the form of RAM and ROM.
Difference between First Generation Computers and Second Generation Computers