Second Generation of Computers

Computers are categorized into different generations based on features, such as first generation computers, second generation computers, third, and so on.

Second generation of computers were introduced during the late 1950s and 1960s after technological advancement. These computers used transistors and magnetic core instead of vacuum tubes, as it was more affordable, small in size, reliable and durable.

You can also explore: Different Types Of Computer

In this article, we will explore these computers in great detail. But, before we begin, let’s first go through the list of topics listed under the table of contents (TOC) that we will cover. Here’s the table:

Table of Contents (TOC)

• What is a Second Generation of Computers?
• Characteristics
• Advantages
• Disadvantages

What is Second Generation of Computers?

The second generation of computers is a term used to describe a group of computers that were developed in the late 1950s and 1960s. These computers replaced vacuum tubes with transistors. Thus, making them smaller, faster, and more efficient.

The use of transistors in place of vacuum tubes made the systems much faster, smaller, and more efficient than 1st generation of computers. This change was done as transistors were more reliable than vacuum tubes, required less maintenance, and generated less heat. Thus, allowing computers to be smaller and more portable. These features of computers made them accessible to a wider audience.

The second generation of computers also saw the introduction of magnetic core memory, which was faster and more reliable than the first generation of computer memory. 

This introduction laid the foundation for further developments in the field. The development of computers in this era allowed for faster and more reliable processing, paving the way for the third generation of computers that used integrated circuits. Overall, the second generation of computers played a crucial role in shaping the modern computer technology we use today.

Here are some examples of second generation of computers:

Example	Year/Period	Details
IBM 1920	1959	A second-generation computer featuring transistors, used for data processing.
IBM 7094	1962	Enhanced scientific computer supporting advanced data management tasks.
CDC 1604	1959	One of the first computers from Control Data Corporation using transistors.
CDC 3600	1964	Improved version of CDC 1604, known for higher speed and processing power.
IBM 1401	1959	Widely used business computer, popular for its magnetic core memory

Characteristics of Second Generation of Computers

Here are the characteristics

• Second generation of computers were much smaller in size than first generation computers.
• Transistors were used instead of vacuum tubes
• Computers were cheaper in cost than the earlier computers.
• These computers were faster at calculating data, taking only microseconds.
•  Assembly language was used instead of machine language for programming in computers.
• Computers required less energy and produced less heat than earlier version of computers.

Advantages

Here are the advantages:

• The second generation of computers was much smaller in size, more reliable, and faster than the first generation of computers.
• The second generation has improved accuracy and better portability.
• These computers use less power and generate less heat than the previous generation.

Disadvantages

Here are the disadvantages:

• They were not very versatile and cheaper.
•  They still required a cooling system even though they generated less heat.
•  They were only used for specific objectives and required frequent maintenance.
•  Even though they generated less heat, they still required air conditioning in the computer room.
•  Computers used punch cards for input and required frequent maintenance.
•  Commercial production of these computers was difficult and had a manual function component.

Conclusion

In this article, we have also explored the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of 2nd generation of computers in great detail. Want to understand more about the evolution of generations of computers? Check out these articles:

• Third Generation of Computers: Learn about how integrated circuits changed computer technology.
• Fourth Generation of Computers: Find out how microprocessors changed the way we use computers.
• Fifth Generation of Computers: Discover how artificial intelligence and parallel processing shape computing.
• Sixth Generation of Computers: Look into the future with quantum computers and advanced AI systems.

Reading these articles will help you understand how computer technology has evolved. Happy Learning!!