# Computer operator > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Computer_operator > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Computer_operator.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_operator > Source revision: 1337426384 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Person who oversees the running of computer systems}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2017}} thumb|Computer operator at work with mainframe computers. (1992) A '''computer operator''' is a role in [IT](/source/IT) which oversees the running of computer systems, ensuring that the machines, and computers are running properly.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439011.htm |title=Computer Operators |work=[Bureau of Labor Statistics](/source/Bureau_of_Labor_Statistics) |access-date=August 2, 2017}} The job of a computer operator as defined by the [United States](/source/United_States) [Bureau of Labor Statistics](/source/Bureau_of_Labor_Statistics) is to "monitor and control ... and respond to ... enter commands ... set controls on computer and peripheral devices. This Excludes Data Entry."{{cite web |url=https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439011.htm |title=Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2018: 43-9011 Computer Operators |publisher=Bureau of Labor Statistics}} ==Overview== The position has evolved from its beginnings in [the punched card era](/source/Computer_programming_in_the_punched_card_era). A Bureau of Labor Statistics report published in 2018 showed that, in the [public sector](/source/public_sector), a major employer of those categorized as ''Computer Operator'' was [United States Postal Service](/source/United_States_Postal_Service). In the [private sector](/source/private_sector), companies involved in [data processing](/source/data_processing), [hosting](/source/Internet_hosting_service), or related services employed computer operators at an even higher rate. The states with the highest employment for computer operators, as of 2018, are: [New York](/source/New_York_(state)), [Texas](/source/Texas), [California](/source/California), [New Jersey](/source/New_Jersey), and [Florida](/source/Florida). ==Job role description== The former role of a computer operator was to work with [mainframe computer](/source/mainframe_computer)s which required a great deal of management day-to-day including manually running batch jobs; however, now they often work with a variety of different systems and applications. The computer operator normally works in a [server room](/source/server_room) or a [data center](/source/data_center), but can also work [remotely](/source/Remote_computer) so that they can operate systems across multiple sites. Most of their duties are taught on the job,{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}} as their job description will vary according to the systems they help to manage. Responsibilities of a computer operator may include: * Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. * Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. * May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices. * Excludes "Computer Occupations" (15-1100) and "[Data Entry Keyers](/source/Data_entry)" (43-9021). The role also includes maintaining records and logging events, listing each backup that is run, each machine malfunction and program abnormal termination. Operators assist [system administrator](/source/system_administrator)s and [programmer](/source/programmer)s in testing and debugging of new systems and programs prior to their becoming production environments. Modern-day computing has led to a greater proliferation of personal computers, with a rapid change from older mainframe systems to newer [self-managing](/source/Self-management_(computer_science)) systems. This is reflected in the operator's role. Tasks may include managing the [backup systems](/source/Object_storage_device), cycling [tapes or other media](/source/Computer_media), filling and maintaining [printers](/source/Computer_printer). Overall the operator fills in as a lower level system administrator or operations analyst. Most operations departments work [24x7](/source/24x7). A computer operator also has knowledge of [disaster recovery](/source/IT_disaster_recovery) and [business continuity](/source/business_continuity) procedures. Formerly, this would have meant sending physical data tapes offsite, but now the data is more than likely transmitted over computer networks. ==Specializations== ===Console operator=== A '''console operator''' interacts with a [front panel](/source/front_panel) or a multi-user system's consoles and terminals * entering system commands via a [keyboard](/source/Computer_keyboard){{efn|Possibly with a pointing device, e.g., [light pen](/source/light_pen), [mouse](/source/Computer_mouse)|name=point}} * entering commands for a subsystem, e.g., [HASP](/source/Houston_Automatic_Spooling_Priority), via a keyboard{{efn|name=point}} * replying to requests for information{{EFN|Write-to-operator (WTO) / WTOR {{=}} with Reply}} * taking actions such as mounting computer tapes that were "pulled" by a tape librarian * supervising a tape operator, especially when there is a non-specific mount request.{{EFN|such as for a blank tape}} * May be limited to a specific role and only have the authority to issue commands needed for that role. These individuals would be trained to use specialized equipment related to their duties. {{clear}} ===Beyond the IBM System/360 era=== One example of specific hardware used by a console operator is the IBM System/370 Model 158 [system console](/source/system_console), which includes a keyboard, a CRT display and a [light pen](/source/light_pen){{cite book | title = A_Guide to the System 370 Model 158 | id = GC20-1754-2 | date = August 1975 | edition = Third | page = 28 | section = Standard Display Console | section-url = http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/370/model158/GC20-1754-2_A_Guide_to_the_System_370_Model_158_3rd_ed_197508.pdf#page=37 | publisher = [IBM](/source/IBM) | series = Systems | url = http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/370/model158/GC20-1754-2_A_Guide_to_the_System_370_Model_158_3rd_ed_197508.pdf | access-date = January 25, 2026 }} Another example is the [IBM 3066 Model 2](/source/IBM_System%2F370_Model_168) [system console](/source/system_console), similar to the console on the [360/85](/source/360%2F85){{efn|Article [360/85](/source/360%2F85) includes a photo of the system console.}} with feature 5450, which includes a keyboard, a CRT display, a microfiche Document Viewer, an Indicator Viewer{{efn|A microfiche projection display with incandescent lamps; a roller selects what background frame to project and controls what data to display with the lamps.}} As with the 360/85 and 370/165, this replaces "most switch, pushbutton, and indicator functions"{{efn|Among the few retained: "system clear" and "cooling reset alarm"}} A console printer (up to 85 characters per second) to provide hard copy was optional when the console was in display mode, and required when it was in printer-keyboard mode.{{cn|date=January 2021|reason=need source for printer-keyboard mode on 3066}} ===Peripherals operator=== A '''peripherals operator''' uses dedicated [peripheral](/source/peripheral) equipment connected to computer(s) such as printers, scanners, or storage devices for data transfer to and/or from computers.{{cite web |title=Work Processes Schedule |url=https://usmap.netc.navy.mil/usmapss/static/wps/wps.jsp?aimsParm=0817N |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017195352/https://usmap.netc.navy.mil/usmapss/static/wps/wps.jsp?aimsParm=0817N |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 17, 2016 |website=United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) |access-date=11 June 2019}} ====Tape operator==== [[File:Elektronische Datenverarbeitungsanlage IBM 1401 (Kiel 36.485).jpg|thumb|An [IBM 1401](/source/IBM_1401) mainframe computer at [Kiel](/source/Kiel) municipality, 1965. ''Background:'' Computer operator replacing a [tape](/source/Magnetic_tape_data_storage).]] Historically, '''tape operators''' were in charge of swapping out reels of [paper tape](/source/Punched_paper_tape), [reels](/source/Magnetic_tape_data_storage) of [magnetic tape](/source/Magnetic_tape_data_storage) or magnetic tape [cartridges](/source/Magnetic_tape_data_storage) that stored computer data or instructions. ====[Card reader](/source/Card_reader) operator==== thumb|Since the rows were named 12, 11, 0, 1, 2, ... 9 the bottom of the card was called the ''Nine''-edge, and the top was called the ''Twelve''-edge. Depending on the type of card reader, either the "9-edge" or the "12-edge" was towards the '''card reader operator''' inserting the cards - but the ''deck'' of cards was ''always'' placed ''face down''. The [United States Army](/source/United_States_Army)'s wordings were: * Load cards in hopper face down, 12 edge out, column 1 to the left (1977){{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9UWiqYseJ4sC |title=Soldier's manual: digital subscriber terminal equipment repairman, MOS 34F, skill levels two and three |publisher=Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Headquarters |year=1977 }} * Place cards in hopper face down with 12 edge to operator (1981){{cite book |title=MOS 72E: combat telecommunications center operator |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vzEmWzvRbbQC |date=1981}} *: 12 edge / face down : IBM orientation. * nine-edge (also face down) : some other card readers. {{clear}} ====Printer operator==== In addition to filing or delivering computer printouts,{{cite web |url=https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED236974.pdf |title=Computing in Higher Education: A Planning Perspective |author=V Chachra |year=1982}} a '''printer operator''' at times loads standard or, as directed by a console operator or a remote console, specialized forms. ===Tab operator=== [[Image:Ibm407 tabulator 1961 01.redstone.jpg|thumb|upright|A 407 at [U.S. Army](/source/U.S._Army)'s [Redstone Arsenal](/source/Redstone_Arsenal) in 1961.]] The '''tab operator''' (short for tabulating) would be responsible for preparing and operating tabulating machines to produce statistical results.{{cite web |last1=Morgan |first1=Richard |title=TABULATING MACHINE OPERATOR (400) |url=https://militaryyearbookproject.com/references/old-mos-codes/wwii-era/army-wwii-codes/administration/1435-tabulating-machine-operator-400 |website=militaryyearbookproject.com |access-date=11 June 2019 |language=en-gb}} Hardware such as the [IBM 08x sorter series](/source/IBM_card_sorter){{Citation needed|date=May 2021|reason=I've only heard, e.g., [IBM 402](/source/IBM_402), [IBM 407](/source/IBM_407), called tabulating equipment.}} were called tabulating equipment. The 1980 census specifically counted ''Tab operators'' ("[Tabulating-machine](/source/Tabulating_machine) operator").{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wNxpTUGEWFgC |title=1980 Census of Population: Classified Index of Industries |publisher=United States. Bureau of the Census |date=1980}} ===Tape librarian=== A '''tape librarian''' is responsible for the management, storage, and reporting involving [data storage tapes](/source/Magnetic_tape_data_storage). The tape librarian would develop and/or maintain an organization system for the storage and retrieval of tapes,{{cite web |author1=Bruce Carrell |author2=D. Boyer |title=Information Systems |url=https://mis.umsl.edu/files/pdfs/ITCareers.pdf |quote=The tape librarian records the location of all tapes that are created}} and assist in [disaster recovery](/source/IT_disaster_recovery). Additionally, the librarian would ensure the integrity of the tapes, and submit recommendations for replacement when needed.{{cite web |title=Tape Librarian |url=http://www.westchestergov.com/hr/jobspecs/cjs/county/T/TAPELIBRARIAN.pdf |website=Westchester County Government |access-date=June 13, 2019}} Some examples of equipment a tape librarian may work with are the [IBM 3850](/source/IBM_3850). ==Gallery== File:IBM 7094 console2.agr.JPG|Modern System operator [consoles](/source/System_console) no longer include large numbers of lights, switches, or buttons File:HypertextEditingSystemConsoleBrownUniv1969.jpg|The [370/158](/source/IBM_System%2F370_Model_168) announcement said that "the console used a CRT display, a keyboard, and a [light pen](/source/light_pen)." File:9-track-drive-open.jpg|Open 9-track tape drive File:IBM magnetic disk drives 3330+3333.png|IBM 3330 Disk drive File:IBM System 360 tape drives.jpg|[IBM System/360](/source/IBM_System%2F360) tape drives File:IBM 1402 at CHM.jpg|[IBM 1402](/source/IBM_1402) high speed card reader and punch used in larger installations and typically run by an operator File:IBM1442.corestore.jpg|[IBM 1442](/source/IBM_1442) medium speed card reader and punch used on many smaller computers such as the [IBM 1130](/source/IBM_1130) ==See also== {{wiktionary|system operator|position=left}} * [System administration](/source/System_administrator) ==Notes== {{notelist}} ==References== {{reflist}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Computer Operator}} Category:Information technology occupations --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Computer operator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_operator) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_operator?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.