second-generation computer

second-generation computer

[′sek·ənd ‚jen·ə¦rā·shən kəm′pyüd·ər] (computer science) A computer characterized by the use of transistors rather than vacuum tubes, the execution of input/output operations simultaneously with calculations, and the use of operating systems.

second-generation computer

A computer made of discrete transistors and other electronic components. In the early 1960s, the IBM 1401 and Honeywell 400 were examples. See computer generations, IBM 1401 and Honeywell.