Abstract: A task linking program is provided for using a computer for interacting with on-line and off-line programming systems to perform tasks related to programming microdevices. The program is secure in being capable of being setup only in an administrator mode where microdevice, programming system, and other information can be inputted and changed. The program has an operator mode in which the program can only run the programming system. This provides the ability to employ relatively low skill operators to use the programming system.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided having a control agent controlling a user interface, a robotic control, a programming control, and a job control. The control system is used with a feeder/programming/buffer system which has a feeder mechanism for receiving programmable devices, a robotic handling mechanism for manipulating the programmable devices among the other mechanisms, a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the programmable devices at a high rate of speed, and a buffer mechanism for providing the programmed programmable devices to a production assembly line on a continuous basis.