Computer operator

Acomputer operatoris a role inITwhich oversees the running of computer systems, ensuring that the machines, and computers are running properly.The job of a computer operator as defined by theUnited StatesBureau of Labor Statisticsis to "monitor and control... and respond to... enter commands... set controls on computer and peripheral devices. This Excludes Data Entry."

Computer operator at work with mainframe computers. (1992)

Overview

The position has evolved from its beginnings inthe punched card era.A Bureau of Labor Statistics report published in 2018 showed that, in thepublic sector,a major employer of those categorized asComputer OperatorwasUnited States Postal Service.In theprivate sector,companies involved indata processing,hosting,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,Texas,California,New Jersey,andFlorida.

Job role description

The former role of a computer operator was to work withmainframe computerswhich 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 aserver roomor adata center,but can also workremotelyso that they can operate systems across multiple sites. Most of their duties are taught on the job,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"(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 assistsystem administratorsandprogrammersin 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 newerself-managingsystems. This is reflected in the operator's role. Tasks may include managing thebackup systems,cyclingtapes or other media,filling and maintainingprinters.Overall the operator fills in as a lower level system administrator or operations analyst. Most operations departments work24x7.

A computer operator also has knowledge ofdisaster recoveryandbusiness continuityprocedures. 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

Aconsole operatorinteracts with afront panelor a multi-user system's console

• entering system commands via akeyboard
• entering commands for a subsystem, e.g.,HASP,via a keyboard
• replying to requests for information
• taking actions such as mounting computer tapes that were "pulled" by atape librarian
• supervising a tape operator, especially when there is anon-specific mount request.

These individuals would be trained to use specialized equipment related to their duties.

Beyond the IBM System/360 era

One example of specific hardware used by a console operator is theIBM 3066 Model 2system console,which included alight penas an interface device. Other then-new features were:

• replaced "most switch, pushbutton, and indicator functions"
• as with the 165's Model 1, had a microfiche document viewer, a feature introduced for the360/85's console.

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.

Peripherals operator

Aperipherals operatoruses dedicatedperipheralequipment connected to computer(s) such as printers, scanners, or storage devices for data transfer to and/or from computers.

Tape operator

AnIBM 1401mainframe computer atKielmunicipality, 1965.Background:Computer operator replacing atape.

Historically,tape operatorswere in charge of swapping out reels ofpaper tape,reelsofmagnetic tapeor magnetic tapecartridgesthat stored computer data or instructions.

Card readeroperator

Since the rows were named 12, 11, 0, 1, 2,... 9 the bottom of the card was called theNine-edge, and the top was called theTwelve-edge.

Depending on the type of card reader, either the "9-edge" or the "12-edge" was towards thecard reader operatorinserting the cards - but thedeckof cards wasalwaysplacedface down.

TheUnited States Army's wordings were:

• Load cards in hopper face down, 12 edge out, column 1 to the left (1977)
• Place cards in hopper face down with 12 edge to operator (1981)

  12 edge / face down: IBM orientation.

• nine-edge (also face down): some other card readers.

Printer operator

In addition to filing or delivering computer printouts,aprinter operatorat times loads standard or, as directed by a console operator or a remote console, specialized forms.

Tab operator

A 407 atU.S. Army'sRedstone Arsenalin 1961.

Thetab operator(short for tabulating) would be responsible for preparing and operating tabulating machines to produce statistical results.Hardware such as theIBM 08x sorter serieswere called tabulating equipment. The 1980 census specifically countedTab operators( "Tabulating-machineoperator ").

Tape librarian

Atape librarianis responsible for the management, storage, and reporting involvingdata storage tapes.The tape librarian would develop and/or maintain an organization system for the storage and retrieval of tapes,and assist indisaster recovery.Additionally, the librarian would ensure the integrity of the tapes, and submit recommendations for replacement when needed.Some examples of equipment a tape librarian may work with are theIBM 3850.

Gallery

• 
  Modern System operatorconsolesno longer include large numbers of lights, switches, or buttons
• 
  The370/158announcement said that "the console used a CRT display, a keyboard, and alight pen."
• 
  Open 9-track tape drive
• 
  IBM 3330 Disk drive
• 
  IBM System/360tape drives
• 
  IBM 1402high speed card reader and punch used in larger installations and typically run by an operator
• 
  IBM 1442medium speed card reader and punch used on many smaller computers such as theIBM 1130

See also

• System administration