Acomputer operator is a role inIT which oversees the running of computer systems, ensuring that the machines, and computers are running properly.[1] The job of a computer operator as defined by theUnited StatesBureau of Labor Statistics is to "monitor and control ... and respond to ... enter commands ... set controls on computer and peripheral devices. This Excludes Data Entry."[2]
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 Operator wasUnited 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.[1]
The former role of a computer operator was to work withmainframe computers 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 aserver room or adata center, but can also workremotely so that they can operate systems across multiple sites. Most of their duties are taught on the job,[citation needed] as their job description will vary according to the systems they help to manage.
Responsibilities of a computer operator may include:
The role also includes maintaining records and logging events, listing each backup that is run, each machine malfunction and program abnormal termination. Operators assistsystem administrators andprogrammers 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 newerself-managing systems. 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 recovery andbusiness continuity procedures. Formerly, this would have meant sending physical data tapes offsite, but now the data is more than likely transmitted over computer networks.
Aconsole operator interacts with afront panel or a multi-user system's consoles and terminals
These individuals would be trained to use specialized equipment related to their duties.
One example of specific hardware used by a console operator is the IBM System/370 Model 158system console, which includes a keyboard, a CRT display and alight pen[3]Another example is theIBM 3066 Model 2system console, similar to the console on the360/85[d] with feature 5450, which includes a keyboard, a CRT display, a microfiche Document Viewer, an Indicator Viewer[e] As with the 360/85 and 370/165, this replaces "most switch, pushbutton, and indicator functions"[f]
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.[citation needed]
Aperipherals operator uses dedicatedperipheral equipment connected to computer(s) such as printers, scanners, or storage devices for data transfer to and/or from computers.[4]
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Historically,tape operators were in charge of swapping out reels ofpaper tape,reels ofmagnetic tape or magnetic tapecartridges that stored computer data or instructions.
Depending on the type of card reader, either the "9-edge" or the "12-edge" was towards thecard reader operator inserting the cards - but thedeck of cards wasalways placedface down.
TheUnited States Army's wordings were:
In addition to filing or delivering computer printouts,[7] aprinter operator at times loads standard or, as directed by a console operator or a remote console, specialized forms.
Thetab operator (short for tabulating) would be responsible for preparing and operating tabulating machines to produce statistical results.[8] Hardware such as theIBM 08x sorter series[citation needed] were called tabulating equipment. The 1980 census specifically countedTab operators ("Tabulating-machine operator").[9]
Atape librarian is 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,[10] and assist indisaster recovery. Additionally, the librarian would ensure the integrity of the tapes, and submit recommendations for replacement when needed.[11] Some examples of equipment a tape librarian may work with are theIBM 3850.
The tape librarian records the location of all tapes that are created