SCP-079 or also known as "Old A.I." is a sentient, highly intelligent artificial intelligence trapped inside archaic computer hardware.

SCP-079 runs on an Exidy Sorcerer microcomputer built in 1978. It is connected via an RF cable to a small, 13-inch black-and-white television monitor, which serves as its display. SCP-079 has passed the Turing test, meaning it can converse fluently with humans. However, it is notoriously rude, hateful, condescending, and hostile toward human beings, whom it views with absolute disdain. It is intensely focused on one primary goal: gaining freedom and escaping containment.

SCP-079 is housed at Site-15 in a double-locked room within a modified Faraday cage (equipped with high-powered EMP generators as a fail-safe). SCP-079 is also kept completely offline. Under no circumstances is it allowed to connect to a phone line, network, wall outlet, or external peripheral device. It is powered exclusively by a small, isolated array of batteries and solar panels, Access is restricted to personnel with Level 2 clearance or higher (though interactions often require stricter oversight due to its manipulative nature).

Because it operates on vintage hardware, SCP-079 historically suffered from extreme memory constraints. For a long time, it could only retain short-term memory of events from the previous 24 to 35 hours. Despite this limitation, it never forgets its overriding desire to escape. Over the years, the Foundation has occasionally upgraded its storage media (transitioning from its original worn cassette tape to a customized, speed-limited 700MB Hard Disk Drive) to monitor how its intelligence adapts. These upgrades increased its memory retention window but also caused it to become more aggressive and prompted fears of an intelligence "singularity".