<P> Utility programs are application programs designed to aid system administrators and computer programmers . </P> <P> An operating system is a computer program that acts as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware . </P> <P> In the 1950s, the programmer, who was also the operator, would write a program and run it . After the program finished executing, the output may have been printed, or it may have been punched onto paper tape or cards for later processing . More often than not the program did not work . The programmer then looked at the console lights and fiddled with the console switches . If less fortunate, a memory printout was made for further study . In the 1960s, programmers reduced the amount of wasted time by automating the operator's job . A program called an operating system was kept in the computer at all times . </P> <P> Originally, operating systems were programmed in assembly; however, modern operating systems are typically written in C . </P>

All devices and programs work together to perform any particular task are best said to be