Computer Conservation Society facts for kids
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| Founded | 1989 |
|---|---|
| Type | Professional Organisation |
| Focus | History of Computing in the UK |
| Origins | The British Computer Society, Science Museum, MOSI |
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Area served
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UK and worldwide |
| Method | Research, Education, Restorations and Reconstructions |
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Members
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1,000+ |
| Website | www.computerconservationsociety.org |
The Computer Conservation Society (CCS) is a group in Britain that started in 1989. It works with the British Computer Society (BCS), the London Science Museum, and the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. The CCS helps to save and share the history of computers.
Contents
What the Computer Conservation Society Does
The CCS loves the history of computing. They especially work to save and keep old British computers working. They want to make sure these important machines are not forgotten.
The society holds public talks every month. These talks happen from September to May in London and Manchester. You can find out more about these events on their website.
The CCS also publishes a magazine four times a year. It is called Resurrection. This magazine shares news about their projects and discoveries.
In 2014, the society celebrated its 25th birthday. Dr Doron Swade is the current leader of the society. He used to be in charge of the computer collection at the London Science Museum.
Cool Computer Projects
The society works on many projects. They fix up old computers and even build copies of very old ones. They also save old computer programs. Here are some examples of their work:
Bringing Old Computers Back to Life (Restorations)
These projects involve fixing and repairing original old computers. The goal is to make them work again, just like they did when they were new.
- Elliott 401
- Elliott 803
- Elliott 903 and 905
- DEC Systems
- Pegasus
- ICT 1301 Project
- Harwell Dekatron Computer
- Differential Analyser
- HEC 1
Building Copies of Old Computers (Reconstructions)
Sometimes, the original computer is gone or too damaged. In these cases, the CCS builds a new, working copy. They use old plans and information to make it just like the original.
- Colossus Rebuild
- Manchester Baby
- Bombe Rebuild
- EDSAC Replica Project
- Babbage's Analytical Engine
Other Important Projects
The CCS also works on other ways to preserve computer history.
- Saving old computer programs so they can still be used.
- Creating the "Our Computer Heritage" website. This website shares information about old computers.
- Giving out the Tony Sale Award. This award celebrates people who help save and fix old computers.
Where to See These Computers
Many of the computers the CCS works on are on display. You can see them at different museums across the UK.
London Science Museum
- Ferranti Pegasus (This computer is not currently working or on display.)
Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
- Manchester Baby
- Hartree Differential Analyser
The National Museum of Computing
- Colossus
- Harwell Dekatron or WITCH
- ICL 2966
- Elliot 803
- Elliott 905
- EDSAC Replica
Bletchley Park Trust
- Bombe
Computers Not Currently on Display
Some computers are being stored or worked on. They are not available for public viewing right now.
- ICT 1301 (It is currently stored at The National Museum of Computing.)
- Elliott 401
