-The second generation was from 1959 to 1965 -This generation was transistor based -Transistor was invented in 1947, but wasn't used much until the late 50's -TRANSISTOR still damaged the computer due to IMMENSE heat, but it was a major improvement over the VACUUM tube. -The LANGUAGE shifted from binary machine language to assembly language. -These were the first computers who stored their instructions in their memory. -High level programming languages were being developed at this time as well. Sources -http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/2002/FiveGenerations.asp