3rd Generation

 1963-1971

Third generation computers were based on Jack Kilby's integrated circuit invention of 1958. Unlike the vacuum tubes and transistors of previous generations, the integrated circuit offered a solution to overheating and storage problems. The integrated circuit, also known as a chip, is a small silicon plate that houses multiple electronic circuits and transistors. This new chip enabled computers to shrink in size, increase speed, and become more affordable.

The first integrated circuit, 1958

Also introduced during this period was magnetic storage, a form of non-volatile memory (memory that is not erased when the computer is powered down). Magnetic storage is the storage of data on a magnetized medium, such as a floppy disk or magnetic recording tape. With the added benefit of storing information on more than a punch card, the magnetized data could also be easily read and accessed from any part of the hard disk.

8-inch Floppy Disk Drive

IBM released its IBM System/360 series in 1964. The company released a group of similarly designed computers all at different costs, allowing customers to upgrade from one model to another as necessary. This was the first time software and peripherals, such as monitors and keyboards, were compatible with other computers in the 'family.' 

IBM System/360

Fun Fact:
IBM stands for International Business Machines and was created by Thomas J. Watson in 1911, with the merging of three successful companies: The Tabulating Machine Company, the International Time Recording Company, and the Computing Scale Company of America.


Today this family model is implemented by nearly all computer technology companies. This soon gave way to personal computers series such as those introduced to consumers by Apple, Inc.  For more information, visit Fourth Generation Computers.