[AT] Generator vs. Alternator

[HaliganBar at aol.com]

This thought crossed my mind the other day when I was driving....What is the 
advantage(s) to an alternator over a generator in a vehicle? I'm guessing it's 
stuff like a built-in voltage regulator and more output in a smaller package. 
Am I on the mark and are there other reasons?

Also, is there anything special required when shutting off an engine equipped 
with a generator? I ask because I had a friend that owned a Stinson 
(airplane) that was equipped with a generator. When he shut down the engine he always 
ran it up for about a minute. When I asked why he said it was because the plane 
had a generator. I never asked him to elaborate....I should have.

Karl