What were some of the challenges faced in the early use of transistors in computers?
Early challenges included the need for engineers to master new transistor technology, the difficulty in miniaturizing components, and the limited availability of skilled personnel.
The increased use of second-generation computers created demand for software development, leading to the growth of programming languages, operating systems, and a software industry that would play a major role in the computer age.
The primary industries that benefited from second-generation computers included the military, scientific research, aerospace, banking, and manufacturing, where the need for faster data processing was critical.
Despite being more efficient than their predecessors, second-generation computers still had limitations, including large size, high cost, and the need for complex cooling systems, which made them unsuitable for personal use.
Magnetic core memory provided faster and more reliable data storage compared to earlier technologies, helping second-generation computers perform more efficiently and store larger amounts of data.
Punched cards became a standard method for inputting data and instructions into second-generation computers, simplifying programming and making it more accessible to a broader group of people