Introduction
The shift to third-generation computers was like moving from bulky old TVs to sleek flat screens. Back then, this change was revolutionary, making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable. Imagine replacing parts that filled entire rooms with tiny chips no bigger than a postage stamp. That's what third-generation computers did with integrated circuits.
This article will take you through how these computers changed the game, their upsides, and the challenges they faced.
Third Generation Computers: A Closer Look
Back in the 1960s and 1970s, something big happened in the world of computers. Before this time, computers were huge, taking up entire rooms, and they weren't very fast or good at saving energy. Then came the third generation of computers, and everything started to change. These new computers used something called "integrated circuits," or ICs for short. An IC is a small chip that can do the work of lots of parts from older computers but in a tiny space.
How It All Started
Before third-generation computers, we had the first and second generations, which used vacuum tubes and transistors. These parts were big and got very hot. When integrated circuits came along, they could put many transistors on one small chip. This was a big deal because it made computers much smaller, they didn't get as hot, and they used less power. Plus, they could do things faster and store more information.
From Big to Small
Imagine going from a phone that only makes calls to a smartphone that fits in your pocket and can do almost anything. That's kind of what happened with computers. Third-generation computers became smaller, so they didn't need huge rooms anymore. This made it easier for more businesses and schools to start using computers.
Faster & Better
With everything packed into a small chip, third-generation computers worked faster. They could do more calculations in less time. This made them really useful for lots of different jobs, like science research, running businesses, and even in schools.
More Reliable
Because these new computers didn't get as hot and had fewer parts that could break, they didn't stop working as often. This was great because people could rely on them more to get important work done.
19+ registered 
