How did the miniaturization of computers during the third generation make them more accessible to smaller businesses?
Miniaturization through integrated circuits made computers more affordable and smaller, allowing smaller businesses to purchase and use computers for tasks like inventory management, accounting, and payroll.
The shift to keyboards made interacting with computers faster and more intuitive, eliminating the need for punch cards and improving overall usability by allowing direct input of commands and data.
The DEC PDP-8, a small and affordable third-generation computer, became widely used in academic, scientific, and business applications. Its cost-effectiveness and compact design helped pave the way for the development of personal computers.
he CDC 6600, developed by Control Data Corporation, was one of the first supercomputers that used integrated circuits and was known for its high processing speed, influencing the design of future high-performance computing systems.
With faster processing power and improved reliability, third-generation computers enabled more complex scientific calculations, helping researchers in fields like physics, chemistry, and engineering solve problems that were previously too difficult or time-consuming.
The term "mainframe" refers to large, powerful computers used by businesses, governments, and universities during the third generation. These systems were typically expensive but offered substantial processing power and storage capabilities.
Third-generation computers enabled greater automation in manufacturing by controlling machinery, optimizing workflows, and managing inventories, resulting in increased production efficiency and cost reductions.