The second generation of computer

The Second Generation of computer(1956-65)

A big revolution in electronics took place with the invention of transistors by Bardeen. Transistors were highly reliable compared to tubes. They occupied less space and required only 1/10 of the powered required by tubes.

Another major event during this period was the invention of magnetic cores for storage. These are tiny ferrite rings that can be magnetised in either clockwise or anti- clockwise direction. The two direction represent 0 and 1.

Magnetic cores were used to construct large random access memories.

The second generation computers began with the advent of transistorized circuitry, invention of magnetic cores and development of magnetic disk storage devices. These new development made these computers much more reliable.

The increased reliability and availability of large memories paved the way for the development of high level languages such as FORTRAN, COBOL etc.

Key features of second generation computers:-

* Transistors replaced vacuum tube

* Smaller compared to first generation

* Generated less heat

* lower electricity consumption

* more reliable and faster

* first operating system developed.

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