Final answer:
The characteristics of third generation computers include integrated circuits, operating systems, and high-level programming languages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The third generation of computers, which spanned from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, introduced several characteristic features that set them apart from previous generations. These features included:
- Integrated Circuits: Third generation computers used integrated circuits, which are tiny electronic components that combine multiple transistors on a single chip. This innovation made computers smaller, more powerful, and more reliable.
- Operating Systems: Third generation computers were equipped with sophisticated operating systems, such as IBM's OS/360, that facilitated multitasking and provided a more user-friendly experience.
- High-level Programming Languages: Third generation computers also saw the introduction of high-level programming languages like FORTRAN and COBOL, which allowed programmers to write code using English-like statements instead of low-level machine code.
Overall, the third generation of computers marked a significant leap in computing technology, paving the way for advancements in hardware, software, and user interface design in subsequent generations.
Learn more about Third Generation Computers