Third Generation of Computer (1964 - 1971)

• 1965 : BASIC (Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) programming language developped by Dr. Thomas Kurtz and Dr. John Kemeny.

• 1969 : The Internet is started. (See History of the Internet)

• 1970 : Dr. Ted Hoff developed the famous Intel 4004 microprocessor (G) chip.

• 1971 : Intel released the first microprocessor, a specialized integrated circuit which was ale to process four bits of data at a time. It also included its own arithmetic logic unit. PASCAL, a structured programming language, was developed by Niklaus Wirth.

IBM 360 Series

In the third generation era, the IBM 370 series were introduced in 1964. It came in several models and sizes.It was used for business and scientific programs. Other computer models introduced were CDC 7600 and B2500.

The development of integrated circuit (IC), signal the beginning of the third generation computers. Silicone chips were manufactured in 1961 at the Silicone Valley. Then came the integrated circuit technology, which had reduced the size and cost of computers.

It is a complete electronic circuit on a small chip of silicone. Which is also known as semi conductor. Other than that, the Magnetic Core Memory was replaced by a device called the microchip. Also the first 256 bit RAM was introduced and it was the basis for development of 1K bit RAM.

Advantages :

A new concept in this generation was that of a family of computer which allowed computer to be upgraded and expanded as necessary.

· Silicone chips were reliable, compact and cheaper.

· Sold hardware and software separately which created the software industry.

· customer service industry flourished (reservation and credit checks)

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