Computers are machines. They do not think. They process data, one command at a time. Granted, this happens so fast that it seems like they are doing much more... but that's it. They are very good at any task that is repetitive.

All the commands and instructions for the commands are stored in Program files. Your choice of Program to use depends on what kind of Data you will enter, what Process you need the computer to do with the data, and what you will use the Information for.

Some types of Data are Numbers, Text, Graphics, Sound.

• If I am going to write a letter, I will enter Text.
• If I am going to calculate grades, I will enter Numbers

In order to turn my words into a nicely formated letter, the computer may complete the following processes; aligning text, changing the font (appearance and size of the text), printing the letter.

In order to turn my numbers into grades, the computer may complete the following processes; use the numbers as variables in a formula which averages test scores, convert the averages into letter grades, print a list of students with their grades.

Most of these processes are found as Choices, on a Menu, in a Program.

The Programs we will use to accomplish our tasks can be grouped as illustrated below.