Difference between First Generation and Second Generation Computers
First-generation computers, also known as vacuum tube computers, were developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s. They were the first electronic digital computers and were used primarily for scientific and military purposes. These computers were very large and required a significant amount of space and power to operate. They were also slow and unreliable, and their programs had to be entered using machine language.
Second-generation computers, also known as transistor computers, were developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. They were a significant improvement over first-generation computers, as they used transistors instead of vacuum tubes. This made them smaller, faster, and more reliable. They also used magnetic core memory, which was more efficient and reliable than the electrostatic memory used in first-generation computers. Programs could also be written in high-level languages, such as COBOL and FORTRAN, making them easier to use for a wider range of applications.
The major difference between First Generation and Second Generation Computers is that in First Generation computers Vacuum tubes were used as an internal component and they were very huge in size while in Second Generation Computers Transistors were used as an internal component as they were smaller than first-generation computers.
| First Generation | Second Generation |
Internal components | |
| Vacuum tubes were used as an internal component. | Transistors were used as an internal component. |
Size | |
| The size of the computer was very high. | The size of the computer was smaller than the first generation called a minicomputer. |
Speed | |
| They were low-speed computers. | They were ten times faster than first-generation computers. |
Main memory | |
| It was in the form of a magnetic drum. | The main memory was in the form of RAM and ROM. |
Storage device | |
| Magnetic tapes were used. | The magnetic core technology was used. |
Language | |
| Machine language was used. | Symbolic assembly language was used e.g. FORTRAN and COBOL. |
Conclusion
if I sum up the difference between both FG and SG, the Vacuum tube was used in FG for internal components moreover, they were very huge in size as compared to SG computers and called mainframe computers. the magnetic drum was used as the main memory.
punch cards and magnetic tapes were also used in the second generation, and instead of vacuum tubes, transistors were used as internal components. on comparing the size, they were much larger than first-generation computers and hence named mini computers. they were 10X times better and faster than the first generation. A magnetic tape, RAM, ROM, and assembly language were also used.
