1. A method for off loading work from a computer while generating a netlist representing a circuit for a programmable IC, said netlist being compiled from a design file in accordance with parameters selected by a user, said design file comprising a parameter selection, the method comprising the following steps: a) on a first computer, displaying said parameter selection on a screen display in table-based format; b) on said first computer, receiving a selection of parameters from a user, said parameters being specified by the user based on said screen display; c) on said first computer, entering said parameters in said design file, thereby configuring said design file in accordance with said parameters; d) transmitting said design file from said first computer to a second computer over a data communications link; e) remotely compiling on said second computer, said design file to generate said netlist; and f) transmitting said netlist from said second computer to said first computer over said data communications link.