Abstract: A computer network has a first computer which is locally coupled to a second computer. The first computer controls operation of the second computer according to a plurality of high level commands obtained from a third computer at a central station. The third computer includes apparatus for receiving the high level commands either from a program running on the third computer or an operator interface on the third computer. A communication facility is provided between the third computer and the first computer to transmit the high level commands to the first computer. The first computer includes a plurality of relatively low level programs corresponding respectively to the plurality of high level operation commands. Each of the low level programs implements the corresponding high level command to control operation of the first computer. The first computer also includes means for selecting the corresponding low level program in response to receipt of the high level command.