Third Generation of Computers(1965-1971)

A summary of main features of this generation of computers is as follows:

1. Electronic circuitry characterized by microelectronic, or integrated circuits, which although microscopic in size, contained the equivalent of many transistors.
2. Monitors and keyboards were introduced for data input and output.
3. Punched cards began losing their prominence as the input or output device.
4. Magnetic disks were used for auxiliary memory.
5. Designed around sophisticated operating systems capable of handling several jobs concurrently.
6. More high-level language including RPG (Report Program Generator) and PASCAL were developed. Heavy emphasis was laid on applications-oriented languages- FORTRAN and COBOL.
7. The speed of operation was improved to nanoseconds.
8. High-level languages were used widely. Mini computers were introduced during this time.
9. They had large storage capacity, smaller in size and better in performance and reliability than second-generation computers.

Typical computers: IBM system/360.