SECOND
GENERATION
COMPUTER
1960 - 1964
OBJECTIVE :
By the end of this lesson
• students will understand the
characteristics, technological
advancements, and key
examples of second-generation
computers, including their
impact on the evolution of
INTRODUCTION TO
SECOND-GENERATION
COMPUTERS
• Second-generation computers represent a major
leap forward in the history of computing,marking
the period when the technology behind
computers was evolving rapidly, with
improvements in hardware and software.
• Unlike the first-generation computers, which
used vacuum tubes for processing, second-
generation computers switched to transistors.
This change made
these computers smaller, more efficient,
and more reliable.
TECHNOLOGICAL
ADVANCEMENTS
1. TRANSISTOR
Transistors are
small electronic
switches that
control the flow of
electricity.
They were far more
efficient than
vacuum tubes,
which were bulky,
generated heat,
ADVANTAGES OF
TRANSISTORS
Smaller Size: Transistors were much smaller than
vacuum tubes, allowing computers to become more
compact.
Less Heat: Unlike vacuum tubes, transistors didn’t
generate as much heat, making them more reliable.
Improved Speed: Transistors could process information
faster than vacuum tubes.
Energy Efficiency: They consumed less power, which
was crucial for improving overall performance.
Instead of earlier methods of storing
data, second-generation computers
used magnetic core memory to
store data.
• Magnetic core memory used tiny
magnetic rings (cores) that could MAGNETIC
store a bit of information. CORE
• This type of memory was faster MEMORY
and more reliable than
previous storage methods.
HIGH-LEVEL
PROGRAMMI
NG
LANGUAGES
WITH THE NEW GENERATION OF COMPUTERS,
HIGH-LEVEL PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES LIKE
FORTRAN (FORMULA TRANSLATION) AND
COBOL (COMMON BUSINESS-ORIENTED
LANGUAGE) WERE DEVELOPED.
2. COBOL
1. FORTRAN
(COMMON BUSINESS-
( FORMULA
ORIENTED
TRANSLATION)
LANGUAGE)
was used for
was used primarily for business data
scientific calculations. processing, such as
financial calculations
and payroll systems
KEY FEATURES OF SECOND-
GENERATION COMPUTERS
• Faster and More Reliable: The use of transistors
instead of vacuum tubes allowed for faster processing
and reduced failure rates.
• Smaller Size: These computers were significantly
smaller, making them easier to install, maintain, and
operate.
• Increased Storage Capacity: Magnetic core memory
and punched card storage allowed for more data to be
stored and accessed quickly.
• Better Performance for Business and Scientific
Applications: These computers could perform more
• They were
smaller as
compared to
first generation
computer.
ADVANTAG • They generated
less heat.
ES • They took
comparatively
less computers
time.
• They were less
prone to failure.
• They
required air
conditionin
g.
DISADVAN
• Frequent
maintenanc
TAGES
e was
required
• They were
difficult and
quite
expensive.
EXAMPLES OF
SECOND-
GENERATION
ACOMPUTERS
IBM 1401 (1959)
One of the most widely used
second-generation
computers in businesses.
Used primarily for data
processing, such as payroll
and inventory management.
It was also used for
scientific computations, but
it became famous for its use
in commercial applications.
CDC 1604
(1600)
• ( CONTROL
DATA CORPORATION )
• One of the first
transistorized computers
used in scientific research.
• It was faster and more
reliable
than its predecessors,
making it suitable
for complex calculations in
physics and
engineering.
UNIVAC 1108
(1964)
This computer system
was used in large-
scale data processing
tasks, including
government and
research applications.
It was notable for its
use of integrated
circuits and
improvements in
memory and
processing power.
IMPACTS OF SECOND
GENERATION COMPUTERS
Increased Accessibility: The smaller size, better efficiency,
and improved reliability made these computers more accessible
for businesses and research organizations.
Improved Data Processing: The ability to process larger
amounts of data more quickly led to the growth of industries
relying on computers, such as finance, government, and
research.
Foundation for Modern Computers: Many of the
technologies developed during this period laid the groundwork
for the development of modern computers. High-level