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 (or CCS) is a group in Britain that started in 1989. They work together with the British Computer Society (BCS), the London Science Museum, and the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.
What the CCS Does
The CCS loves the history of computing. They work to save and keep old British computers working. This means they protect these important machines from the past.
The society holds public talks every month. These talks happen from September to May in London and Manchester. You can find out about these events on their website.
The CCS also publishes a magazine four times a year. It's called Resurrection.
In 2014, the society celebrated being 25 years old. Dr Doron Swade is the current leader of the society. He used to look after the computer collection at the London Science Museum.
Cool Computer Projects
The CCS has many projects. They work to fix old computers and even build copies of very old ones. They also save old computer programs.
Fixing Old Computers (Restorations)
The CCS helps to fix computers that are broken or very old. They make them work again. Some of these projects include:
- Elliott 401
- Elliott 803
- Elliott 903 and 905
- DEC Systems
- Pegasus
- ICT 1301 Project
- Harwell Dekatron Computer
- Differential Analyser
- HEC 1
Building Copies (Reconstructions)
Sometimes, an old computer is completely gone. The CCS then builds a new working copy of it. This helps people see how these amazing machines worked. Some projects are:
- Colossus Rebuild
- Manchester Baby
- Bombe Rebuild
- EDSAC Replica Project
- Babbage's Analytical Engine
Other Important Work
The CCS also works on other things. They save old computer programs so we can learn from them. They also have a website called "Our Computer Heritage." The society also gives out the Tony Sale Award for people who help save old computers.
Where to See These Computers
Many of the computers the CCS works on are in museums. You can visit them to see these pieces of history!
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
Not Currently on Display
Some computers are being stored and are not available for public viewing right now:
- ICT 1301 (It's stored at The National Museum of Computing.)
- Elliott 401
