Computer and peripheral equipment operators oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, ensuring that these expensive machines are used as efficiently as possible. This means that operators must anticipate problems before they occur and take preventive action as well as solve problems that do occur.
The duties of computer and peripheral equipment operators vary with the size of the installation, the type of equipment used, and the policies of the employer. Working from operating instructions prepared by programmers or operations managers, computer operators set controls on the computer and on peripheral devices required to run a particular job. Computer operators or, in large installations, peripheral equipment operators load the equipment with tapes, disks, and paper as needed. While the computer is running which may be 24 hours a day for large computers computer operators monitor the computer console and respond to operating and computer messages. If an error message occurs, operators must locate and solve the problem or terminate the program.
Peripheral equipment operators may have to prepare printouts and other output for distribution to computer users. Operators also maintain log books listing events such as machine malfunctions that occurred during their shift. In addition, computer operators may supervise and train peripheral equipment operators and computer operator trainees. They also may help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs. (Detailed descriptions of these occupations are presented elsewhere in the Handbook.)
As the trend toward networking making connections between computers accelerates, a growing number of these workers are operating personal computers (PC's) and minicomputers. More and more establishments are realizing the need to connect all their computers in order to enhance productivity. In many offices, factories, and other work settings, PC's and minicomputers serve as the center of such networks, often referred to as local area networks or multiuser systems. While some of these computers are operated by users in the area, many require the services of full-time operators. The tasks performed are very similar to those performed on the larger computers.
As organizations continue to use computers in more areas of operation, they are also realizing opportunities to increase the productivity of computer operations. Automation, which traditionally has been the application of computer technology to other functional areas of an organization, is now reaching the computer room. Sophisticated software coupled with robotics now exist that enable the computer to perform many routine tasks formerly done by computer and peripheral equipment operators. For example, scheduling, loading and downloading programs, mounting tapes, rerouting messages and running periodic reports can be done without the intervention of an operator. These improvements will change what computer operators do in the future. As technology advances, more computer operators will monitor an automated system. In addition, they may be in charge of system security, troubleshooting, desk help, network problems, and maintaining large databases. In the computer centers that lack this level of automation, some computer operators may be responsible for tasks traditionally done by peripheral equipment operators.
Peripheral equipment operators prepare printouts for distribution to computer users.
Computer operating personnel work in well-lighted, well-ventilated, and generally comfortable rooms. Because many organizations use their computers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, computer and peripheral equipment operators may be required to work evening or night shifts and weekends. Shift assignments generally are made on the basis of seniority. Automated operations will lessen the need for shift work because many companies let the computer take over all operations during less desirable working hours.
In 1992, computer operators and peripheral equipment operators held about 266,000 and 30,000 jobs, respectively. Although jobs for computer and peripheral equipment operators are found in almost every industry, most are in wholesale trade establishments; manufacturing companies; data processing service firms; banks; government agencies; and accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping service firms. These organizations have data processing needs that require large computer installations.
More than 1 out of 10 computer and peripheral equipment operators works part time.
Previous work experience is the key to landing an operator job in many large establishments. These employers look for specific, hands-on experience in the type of equipment and related operating systems that they use. Additionally, a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field or other formal training is recommended. As technology expands, operator jobs will become more competitive and demanding, giving an advantage to those applicants with formal training. Increasing numbers of operators recently hired possess such training and many employers require it.
Smaller organizations may be more willing to provide informal training because their computer systems are not as expensive nor downtime as costly as in larger installations. In these establishments, education may be substituted for experience to some extent. Training is also offered by the Armed Forces and by some computer manufacturers.
Workers usually receive some on-the-job training to become acquainted with their employer's equipment and routines. The length of training varies with the job and the experience of the worker. New peripheral equipment operators are expected to learn their jobs in a few weeks.
Because computer technology changes so rapidly, operators must be adaptable and willing to learn. For example, more formal education or training is now required for operators who work in automated data centers. Greater analytical and technical expertise are also needed to deal with the unique or higher level problems that the computer is not programmed to handle.
Computer and peripheral equipment operators must be able to communicate well in order to work effectively with programmers and each other. Computer operators also must be able to work independently because they may have little or no supervision.
Peripheral equipment operators may become computer operators. A few computer operators may advance to supervisory jobs. Through on-the-job experience and additional formal education, some computer and peripheral equipment operators advance to jobs as programmers or operations analysts, although the move into a programmer job may become more difficult in the years ahead as the skill requirements for programming continue to rise.
Advances in technology have reduced both the size and the cost of computer equipment while at the same time increasing its capacity for data storage and processing. These improvements in technology have fueled an expansion in the use of computers in such areas as factory and office automation, telecommunications, medicine, and education. Computer and peripheral equipment operators, however, will not benefit because they work mainly with large computer systems the part of the overall computer market that has slowed down.
Furthermore, the expanding use of software that automates computer operations gives companies the option of making systems user-friendly, which greatly reduces the need for operators. Even if firms continue to use operators, which for many is extremely likely in the near future, these new technologies free the operator to concentrate on unique problems and monitor a greater number of operations at the same time. The result is that as few as 3 operators can accomplish the work previously done by 10.
As automated equipment is developed further, smaller versions and lower prices will induce smaller organizations to invest in these technologies as well, further dampening demand for peripheral equipment operators.
Computer operators or peripheral equipment operators who are displaced by automation may be reassigned to support staffs assisting other members of the organization. Others may be retrained to perform different job duties such as supervising an entire operations center, maintaining automation packages, and analyzing computer operations to recommend ways to increase productivity.
In 1992, full-time computer operators had median earnings of $21,100 a year. The middle 50 percent earned between $16,000 and $28,700. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $13,400 and the top 10 percent earned more than $38,700. Salaries generally are higher in large organizations than in small ones.
In the Federal Government, computer operators with a high school diploma started at about $14,600 a year in 1993. Those with 1 year of college started at $16,400. Applicants with operations experience started at higher salaries. All computer operators employed by the Federal Government in 1993 averaged about $27,400.
Other occupations involving work with computers include computer scientists and systems analysts, programmers, and computer service technicians. Other occupations in which workers operate electronic office equipment include data entry keyers, secretaries, typists and word processors, and typesetters and compositors.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor