CSIRAC was replaced by an IBM 7044. This was so expensive that its cabinets were kept locked. Even the university’s computer staff were not allowed to experiment with its hardware. This contrasted greatly with the ‘open-door’ access and hands-on approach to CSIRAC.
Realising the significance of Australia ’s first computer, The University of Melbourne donated CSIRAC to Museum Victoria . Engineer Jurij Semkiw carefully dismantled the machine, labelling every cable and part.
For many years CSIRAC remained in museum storage, or on display at Caulfield Institute of Technology. In the mid 1990s some of those who had worked with the computer in Melbourne formed a CSIRAC History Team to gather documents and compile personal histories. This archival collection is now held by Museum Victoria.
CSIRAC was given a spring-clean and face-lift when Museum Victoria prepared the machine for display. Opening in 2000, the @digital.au exhibition explored the history of digital technology. This was replaced by the museum’s permanent CSIRAC display in 2004.
Thanks to the dedication of those involved in preserving CSIRAC, it is the only intact first-generation computer remaining in the world.