Entry level jobs in computers can be a great way to get your foot in the door of a career as a software developer or programmer. If you’re interested in working with computers, but don’t know what kind of position you want to get into, you’ll want to look at entry level jobs in computers that offer training and experience so that you can get started on the right path.
These types of positions are ideal for people who want to work with computers but haven’t had much formal schooling yet. They’re often located at universities or other institutions where students can learn about the field while also getting paid for their time.
The best part about these kinds of jobs is that they offer an opportunity for students who wouldn’t otherwise have access to this type of job training because they didn’t go through school after high school or because they didn’t attend college at all.
They also offer an opportunity for people who aren’t sure exactly what they want out of life yet but know they want to work with computers because it’s something they’ve been interested in since childhood!
Entry Level Jobs In Computers
A computer operator is a role in IT 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 the United States 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.”[2]
Contents
1 Overview
2 Job role description
3 Specializations
3.1 Console operator
3.2 Beyond the IBM System/360 era
3.3 Peripherals operator
3.3.1 Tape operator
3.3.2 Card reader operator
3.3.3 Printer operator
3.4 Tab operator
3.5 Tape librarian
4 Gallery
5 Worldwide
6 See also
7 References
Overview
The position has evolved from its beginnings in the punched card era. A Bureau of Labor Statistics report published in 2018 showed that, in the public sector, a major employer of those categorized as Computer Operator was United States Postal Service. In the private sector, companies involved in data processing, hosting, or related services employed computer operators at an even higher rate. The states in the USA with the highest employment for computer operators, as of 2018, are: New York, Texas, California, New Jersey, and Florida.[1]
Job role description
The former role of a computer operator was to work with mainframe 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 a server room or a data center, but can also work remotely 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 and set-up they help manage. A computer operator can work inside the home on the network editing domains and nets, or they can work on the road or as part of a company.[3]
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 assist system administrators and programmers 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 systems. This is reflected in the operator’s role. Tasks may include managing the backup systems, cycling tapes or other media, filling and maintaining printers. Overall the operator fills in as a lower level system administrator or operations analyst. Most operations departments work 24×7.
A computer operator also has knowledge of disaster recovery and 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
SAGE console, round CRT;
2+ decades before introduction of the IBM 3036 (IBM 303X offerings, which included a Dual-display console
A console operator interacts with a multi-user system’s console
entering commands via a keyboard[4]
replying to requests for information[5]
taking actions such as mounting computer tapes that were “pulled” by a tape librarian
supervising a tape operator, especially when there is a a non-specific mount request.[6]
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 the IBM 3066 Model 2 system console, which included a light pen[citation needed] as an interface device. Other then-new features were:
replaced “most switch, pushbutton, and indicator functions”[7]
as with the 165’s Model 1, had a microfiche document viewer,<>the online manual has an extra dot: “d.ocument” a feature introduced for the 360/85’s console.[8]
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]
Peripherals operator
A peripherals operator uses dedicated peripheral equipment connected to computer(s) such as printers, scanners, or storage devices for data transfer to and/or from computers.[9]
Tape operator
An IBM 1401 mainframe computer at Kiel municipality, 1965. Background: Computer operator replacing a tape.
Historically, tape operators were in charge of swapping out reels of paper tape, reels of magnetic tape or magnetic tape cartridges that stored computer data or instructions.
Card reader operator
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’s wordings were:
Load cards in hopper face down, 12 edge out, column 1 to the left (1977)[10]
Place cards in hopper face down with 12 edge to operator (1981)[11]
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,[12] a printer operator at times loads standard or, as directed by a console operator or a remote console, specialized forms.
Tab operator
A 407 at U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal in 1961.
Not to be confused with the service industry profession of where, in some countries, the individual would be responsible for maintaining records of amounts due. That is, these tab operators keep tab on bar-bills.[13][14].
The tab operator (short for tabulating) would be responsible for preparing and operating tabulating machines to produce statistical results.[15] Hardware such as the IBM 08x sorter series[citation needed] were called tabulating equipment. The 1980 census specifically counted Tab operators (“Tabulating-machine operator”).[16]
Tape librarian
A tape librarian is responsible for the management, storage, and reporting involving data storage tapes. The tape librarian would develop and/or maintain an organization system for the storage and retrieval of tapes,[17] and assist in disaster recovery. Additionally, the librarian would ensure the integrity of the tapes, and submit recommendations for replacement when needed.[18] Some examples of equipment a tape librarian may work with are the IBM 3850.
Gallery
Modern System operator consoles no longer include large numbers of lights, switches, or buttons
The 370/158 announcement said that “the console used a CRT display, a keyboard, and a light pen.”
Open 9-track tape drive
IBM 3330 Disk drive
IBM System/360 tape drives
IBM 1402 high speed card reader and punch used in larger installations and typically run by an operator
IBM 1442 medium speed card reader and punch used on many smaller computers such as the IBM 1130
Worldwide
Computer operator positions are advertised worldwide.[19][20]
See also
Look up system operator in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
System administration
References
“Computer Operators”. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2018: 43-9011 Computer Operators”. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Data Entry Operator, Computer Operator, Work From Home, Part-time @HomeWhatsapp To HR 06238539995 -5 Yr Exp – HR Executive / Recruiter Job Mangalore, Mayiladuthurai – ID:23760096”. MonsterIndia. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
(possibly and/or with a mouse)
Write-to-operator (WTO) / WTOR = with Reply
such as for a blank tape
among the few retained: “system clear” and “cooling reset alarm”
the 360/85 article includes a photo of same
“Work Processes Schedule”. United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP). Retrieved June 11, 2019.
Soldier’s manual: digital subscriber terminal equipment repairman, MOS 34F, skill levels two and three. Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Headquarters. 1977.
