Modelling electrical circuits leads to differential algebraic equations (DAEs) having a properly stated leading term. These equations need to be solved numerically, e.g. in case of a transient analysis of the given circuit. Classical methods such as linear multistep methods or Runge-Kutta schemes suffer from disadvantages that can be overcome by studying general linear schemes. Both Runge-Kutta methods and linear multistep schemes belong to this class as special cases, but there is plenty of room for new methods with improved properties. This work presents both a detailed study of DAEs in the framework of integrated circuit design and a thorough analysis of general linear methods for these kind of equations. The construction and implementation of general linear methods for DAEs is discussed in detail.