Second+GenerationComputers

Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)

By 1948 transitors started to make their way into computers by replacing the large vacuum tubes.This was the second generation computers main characteristic and advantage as transistors consumed far less energy than their counter parts. This also meant that computers could be built smaller and faster.



The IBM 1401 is an example of second generation computers which was universally accepted throughout industry, and is considered by many to be the Model T of the computer industry. Transistorized electronics improved not only the CPU (Central Processing Unit), but also the peripheral devices such as disk and printers.

Third Generation Computers