Third Generation Computers: Integrated Circuits (1964-1971)

 Third Generation Computers are characterized by the use of integrated circuits (ICs), which are miniature electronic circuits that are etched onto a single piece of silicon. These ICs allowed for the creation of smaller, faster, and more reliable computers than previous generations.

Third Generation Computers: Integrated Circuits (1964-1971)

Here are some key features of Third Generation Computers:

1. Integrated Circuits (ICs): The use of ICs allowed for the creation of much smaller and more efficient computers than previous generations. ICs also made it possible to manufacture more reliable and consistent computer components.

2. Transistors: Third Generation Computers used transistors, which are tiny electronic switches, to control the flow of electricity. Transistors replaced the vacuum tubes used in Second Generation Computers, which were much larger and less reliable.

3. Operating Systems: Third Generation Computers supported the use of operating systems, which made it easier to manage and control computer resources such as memory and processing power.

4. Magnetic Core Memory: Third Generation Computers used magnetic core memory, which was faster and more reliable than the magnetic drum memory used in Second Generation Computers.

5. Batch Processing: Third Generation Computers supported batch processing, which allowed large numbers of jobs to be processed automatically without requiring human intervention.

6. High-Level Programming Languages: Third Generation Computers supported high-level programming languages such as FORTRAN and COBOL, which made it easier to write and maintain complex programs.

7. Time-sharing: Third Generation Computers supported time-sharing, which enabled multiple users to access a computer simultaneously and share its resources.

Overall, Third Generation Computers represented a major leap forward in computing technology, making computers faster, smaller, and more reliable than ever before. The use of ICs paved the way for the development of more advanced computer components in future generations.