Most people use computers but have little idea of the way they work. This course will look at the basic elements of a computer, starting with how they function, their use of binary numbers, and consider how a simplified computer actually works and how a computer is programmed. We will look at the general principles behind computer programming and consider some simple practical examples. I will use Microsoft Excel to demonstrate some of these ideas. Consequently you will need a laptop with a post 2010 version of Excel. A tablet will not do.