An automated initial program load (IPL) and standard time of day (TOD) via an IBM Personal Computer (PC) establishes the centralized computer operations project (CCOP), that has as its goal the introduction of an unattended/automated data processing center operation. This innovation minimizes the operator staff size, allows synchronization of system clocks, and permits the operation of remote systems that are unattended by emulating the functions of the IBM 3278 Model 2A terminal.