<h2>CSIRAC: Australia's first digital computer</h2>Compared to CSIRAC, a modern desktop PC processes about two million times faster and has a memory capacity 300,000 times greater. It's also 1,000 times lighter and uses 3,000 times less electricity. That said, the system was very impressive for its time. Prior to CSIRAC, complex computations were calculated by hand or with mechanical adding machines. By contrast, CSIRAC could perform calculations at 1000 operations per second.<br><br><i>[Image credit: WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images]
 

CSIRAC: Australia's first digital computer

Compared to CSIRAC, a modern desktop PC processes about two million times faster and has a memory capacity 300,000 times greater. It's also 1,000 times lighter and uses 3,000 times less electricity. That said, the system was very impressive for its time. Prior to CSIRAC, complex computations were calculated by hand or with mechanical adding machines. By contrast, CSIRAC could perform calculations at 1000 operations per second.

[Image credit: WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images]

Image 10 of 28

  

In Pictures: CSIRAC - Australia's first digital computer

by Chris Jager  |  14 Jun 2012  |  Comments

Sometimes, it's the oldest machines that are the most fascinating. We take an in-depth look at CSIRAC, Australia's first digital computer.
comments powered by Disqus

From our Partners

PC & Tech Authority Downloads