The second generation Computer IBM 1620
The period of the second generation of computers dates from 1959 until 1965.
As you can see in the opening picture, this generation looks more stable, more compact and easier to operate.
Due to its usage of the transistor, the computer was now cheaper to build, less power consuming and therefore became faster and more reliable than previous models.
The primary memory for this generation was made up of a magnetic core and magnetic disks, but also used tapes as a secondary storage device.
The primary memory for this generation was made up of a magnetic core and magnetic disks, but also used tapes as a secondary storage device.
During this time of computer innovation, multiprogramming operating systems were introduced and worked alongside the batch processing system, which already aided the first generation of computers.
The newly used languages were assembly languages and high-level programming languages like FORTRAN or COBOL.
Some computers of this generation were:
- IBM 1620
- IBM 7094
- CDC 1604
- CDC 3600
- UNIVAC 1108
The CDC 3600
The main features of this generation are:
- Use of transistors
- More reliable
- More compact
- Less consumption of energy
- Faster
- Still very costly
- Still in need of a cooling system
- assembly and high-level programming language
