What do you mean by the generation of computer? Explain the characteristics of third generation of computers.

The history of computer development is often referred to in reference to the different generations of computing devices. A generation refers to the state of improvement in the product development process. This term is also used in the different advancements of new computer technology. There are five generations of computer. Each generation is characterized by major technological development that fundamentally changed the way computers operate, resulting in increasingly smaller, cheaper, and more powerful and more efficient and reliable devices.

The third generation computers were developed during 1966-1973. The development of Integrated Circuit (IC) signaled the beginning of the third generation computers. However some of the features are as follows-

a) These computers used integrated circuits.

b) They were small, efficient and reliable.

c) Operating systems were developed.

d) Monitors and keyboards were introduced for input and output of data.

e) Magnetic disks were used for secondary storage.

f) The operating speed was measured in nano seconds.

g) They could understand large number of high level languages.

The examples are – IBM 360, ICL -1900, and IBM 370 etc.