The ability to be programmed is the one thing that makes a modern computer different than all other machines. A program is a list of instructions that is stored in the computer and than carried out at the right time and in the proper sequence. Early computers were fed their program by means of paper tape or punch cards. In some cases, they were punched in on a typewriter or keyboard. The development of "memory" expanded the storage space of a computer enabling it to store many programs, and access the one it needed at any given time.

A computer program might contain only a dozen or over a million instructions. The modern computer can execute a billion instructions per second and will rarely if ever make a mistake. If a problem develops, it is generally in the program itself. A problem in a program is called a bug. A bug can be relatively harmless, or it can be very serious. Some programs contain harmful instructions, or deliberate bugs. They are known as a virus. A virus can cause other programs to malfunction and crash your computer.

Programs are loaded to the modern computer in two different ways. Most computers will have a disc reader. This allows programs stored on compact discs to be loaded into the memory of the computer. These programs can be accessed and used at once, or stored in the hard drive until they are needed. Programs can also be loaded from remote locations via the internet. This is called downloading a program. Although one way appears to be very mechanical, and the other appears to be all electronic, both methods share the same internal programs that direct them to the proper location, and store them into the hard drive.

Problems can develop in the mechanical loading process. They can be as simple as dust on the CD, or in the reader heads. Problems can also develop in the loading programs or the operating systems inside the unit. So, loading problems can said to be either hardware or software problems. There are various methods that can be used to address software type loading problems. Sometimes a simple reboot, or restarting of the computer, can help. One of the common causes of loading problems is lack of space to load the program. This may not mean that your hard drive is full, but rather that so many programs are being run simultaneously that the new program cannot be loaded.

It is also possible to clean up and debug your loading pathways and your hard drive. The use of system restore to bring your computer back to an earlier state can help. If you are going to use system restore, make sure you back up any files that you do not want to lose. A process called defragging the hard drive can be helpful also. The first and therefore critical step in the running of any program is loading it into the computer. Program loading problems need to be addressed immediately.