Second Generation of Computer

“Second Generation of Computer”

-All the computer which used transistors as their memory components are classified in to second generation of computers. E.g. IMB 1401, ICL 2950/10. The discovery of Transistors show the start of the second generation. It replaced the vacuum tubes which were used in the first generation of computers. At First, large scale machines were developed by using it. Second generation of computer replaced the Machine language with the assembly language. It is also hard and compound in itself. But Assembly language was much easier than the binary code which was used in first generation of computer. Second generation computers also started presentation the uniqueness of modern day computers with utilities such as disk storage, operating systems etc .  It was used for processing  Many financial information. Because of this features it was more easy, reliable and faster than the first generation of computer.

 

·        Characteristic of second generation of computer

- Transistors were used as their electronic components.

- Processing speed was increased to micro second.

- High level language was used.

- Magnetic tape was used as secondary storage device.

- Size we decreased as compared to first generation.

- Less power consumption and les heat was generated.

- Storage capacity was increased than first generation.

- They were cheaper than first generation.