A computer is a machine for following instructions. At first it only knows a limited set of logical and arithmetical instructions. You can use these instructi

A computer is a machine for following instructions. At first it only knows a limited set of logical and arithmetical instructions. You can use these instructions to teach it new things to do, and new commands to follow (and if you buy a computer, somebody probably already has). However, if you phrase these instructions wrong, it will do what you say rather than what you mean. So you could say that programming a computer is like training a new soldier or worker, and using a computer is like being in command.