Learnings of the Week
(2nd week)
by: Mary Trishia V. Tabigue IV- RIZAL

Third Generation Computers
In 1958, the first integrated circuit was made.¹⁵ This invention has led to the widespread use of computers today. Scientists found a way to reduce the size of transistors so they could place hundreds of them on a small silicon chip, about a quarter of an inch on each side.¹⁶ This enabled computer manufacturers to build smaller computers. Using this new technology, Digital Equipment Inc. produced a minicomputer which they sold for the price of fifteen thousand dollars in 1962.¹⁷ Two years later, IBM used chips in its 360 series computers.¹⁸ The 360 series was IBM's solution to the problem of having two different market lines of computer. Every member of the 360 family, no matter how big or powerful, was compatible with each other. This way, a company could buy a small computer to start with and when they outgrew it and bought a larger one, they would still be able to use all of its old stored data.

At about this same time, the concept of a programming language was developed. Originally, programmers communicated with the computers via plug boards and wires. As both the computers and the jobs to be executed became more complex, communication between the computers and users also became more complicated. In 1956, FORTRAN, the first programming language, was developed.¹⁹ Then in 1959, Grace Hopper invented COBOL.20

The programming languages enabled programmers to write code at a higher conceptual level. A compiler would then translate the code into machine language. For instance, a programmer could now tell the computer to add two numbers by simply using the add command in the language.

The introduction of programming languages enabled this third generation of computers to contain something called an operating system. An operating system serves two functions. First, it is a program which provides a buffer between the user and the machine. It enables the user to ask the computer to perform a high level task, and then the operating system translates the task into machine language instructions. Second, the operating system keeps the various pieces of the computer running together smoothly.

The companies who manufactured the third generation computers tried to create computers which could successfully perform both calculations and sorts. However, creating such a diverse computer turned out to be a difficult job. The operating system for these computers was very complex. This complexity resulted in many errors in the code which would cause the computers to crash.

Another aspect of computing new to the third generation machines was the presence of multiprogramming. In the early days, a computer was capable of performing only one job at a time. The problem with this method was that jobs were not continuously active. Sometimes a job would reach a point where it needed user input, so the computer would just sit and wait. Multiprogramming changed this. It enabled the computer to run a number of jobs simultaneously. The jobs would take turns using the computer's central processing unit; while one job was waiting for input, another job would execute.

In 1970, IBM put a "floppy disk" drive in their 3740 system computer. Using a floppy disk provided three times more storage space and faster access to the information.²¹

Fourth Generation Computers

Then, in 1971 Intel created the first microprocessor.²² The microprocessor was a large-scale integrated circuit which contained thousands of transistors. The transistors on this one chip were capable of performing all of the functions of a computer's central processing unit. The reduced size, reduced cost, and increased speed of the microprocessor led to the creation of the first personal computers. In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak built the first Apple computer in a garage in California.²³ Then, in 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer.²⁴ The personal computer was such a revolutionary concept and was expected to have such an impact on society that in 1982, "Time" magazine dedicated its annual "Man of the Year Issue" to the computer.²⁵

When personal computers first came into use, many people did not know what they were. Some people were amazed by these new tools and others did not like them.

Within a matter of years, computers spread from the work place into the home.

Personal computers have changed a great deal since the early eighties. The hardware has definitely changed, the computers are faster now, have more memory, and are relatively inexpensive. But the large increase in home use of computers has come about as the result of an increase in the quantity and quality of the software available. Originally, there was no software available and so some people wrote their own. Companies now produce software to help people do word processing, balance their check book, and store phone numbers.

In addition to the many programs designed for adults, many software products are geared towards children, in particular, video games. The first video games appeared in 1975, but they were nothing like the games of today.²⁶ The increased processing speed and memory in computers has led to an increase in the quality of computer graphics.

The introduction of the integrated circuit and its development into the very-large scale integrated circuit started a technological revolution which caused computers to invade almost every aspect of our society. This phenomena occurred because of the increased performance, reduced size, and reduced cost of the newer computers.