2nd Generation Computers: Transistors

1959 - 1964

Replacing the vacuum tubes within the first generation were Transistors, a device that tells a circuit either to open or close and amplifies signals. Transistors were the forerunner of the modern day microprocessors we have today. Current day microprocessors house millions of tiny, microscopic transistors delivering markedly increased processing and computing power compared to the 2nd generation computers.

Due to the replacement of vacuum tubes with transistors the space and overall resources required for the computer to run were significantly reduced. Before transistors existed digital circuits were composed of vacuum tubes which would mean the ENIAC would take up an absurd amount of space such as whole rooms, take a lot of electricity to power and were more prone to overheating and failing. With the invention of the Transistor, computers would now only take up a part of a wall rather than a room, use less electricity, create less heat and cost less. The transistor increased overall efficiency while saving valuable resources.

2nd generation computers also moved forward in terms of input, during this time programming languages were in development so an operator can talk directly to the computer through software rather than physical input such as punch cards and tape. The memory within the computer was now saved onto a magnetic core rather than a magnetic drum, which was used during during the first generation of computers.

sources cited:
http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/2002/FiveGenerations.asp
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0125787/firgen.htm