CLASSIFICATION BY AGE 1ST GENERATION The key electronic device of this computer was a vacuum tubes Xtics -They

were very large in size - Produce a lot of heat - They used magnetic drums to store data - They used punched cards as the input device - Break down chances were so high - They required experts to run them e.g. UNIVAC (Universal Automated Computers) of 1950 1959. - Speed was 40,000 operation/seconds 2nd GENERATION The key electronic device was a transistor - Were more reliable than 1st generation computer - Were small in size than 1st generation computer - The internal memory was in form of magnetic care. - Their speed was 200,000-operational/sec magnetic tape. - E.g. ATLAS, IBM 7000 3RD GENERATION The key feature was the integrated circuit (IC) An IC is a metric of an electronic channels and related components which enables processors with a relatively small physical size to be produced. - They used magnetic tapes for output - Their processing speed was about 1,000,000 - They had higher internal storage capacity - They had multitasking capacities - E.g. IBM and Compaq. 4TH GENERATION The key feature is very large scale IC - They are smaller in size e.g. laptops - They have a high level of multitasking - Have a high processing speed. - Have a high internal storage. - E.g. Toshiba, Amstrad etc 5TH GENERATION They are feature computers e.g. mobile phones - They are predicted to have human capacities - Their key feature will be artificial intelligence i.e. performing tasks that require them to think - They will also accept voice input/output

The input will also be from remote devices

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS 1. SPEED: - Computers work at a very high speed processing information compared to manual methods 2. VOLUME: - It can handle very large volumes of data in a small space simultaneously without becoming tired as long as it is properly programmed. 3. COMPLEXITY: - It can handle very complex arithmetic calculations within a very short time as opposed to manual calculations.

4. ACCURACY: -Are very accurate so long as the person controlling gives proper instructions. (hence the saying garbage in garbage out) 5. SECRECY: Information is fairly protected by use of a password.

6. CONSISTENCY: - Gives the same results given the same data and instructions. DISADVANTAGES: 1. COST/PRICE: - Computers are very expensive and cannot be afforded by many companies and individuals. 2. COMPUTER BREAKDOWN: - Like any other machine, computers do breakdown forcing the users to turn to manual methods that are slow hence time wasting. HEALTH HAZARD: - Pose great risks especially to eyesight, affected due to prolonged use if the screen is not properly regulated.

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REDUCTION OF LABOUR FORCE: - Many people have been misplaced by computers leading to unemployment.