Duties of computer operators vary with the size of the employer and type of equipment. Operators of small computer systems run both the computer and peripheral equipment. Peripheral equipment includes printers, disk drives, and tape readers. They set equipment controls and load tapes, disks, and paper. While the computer is running, computer operators monitor the computer console and respond to messages that appear on the screen.
Messages show how each job is running.
If an error message occurs, operators must find and solve the problem or terminate the program. Operators document problems and save printouts. In some jobs, operators may do some programming. In large computer installations, computer operators work on the computer and peripheral equipment operators run the related equipment. Fewer are working on mainframes.