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.