preceding, we sometimes refer to this as a procedure or as procedural code. The act of creating this set of instructions is typically called programming. When we install a program into a computer, we may then choose to refer to is as a stored program. The programming of secure cores involves an extra activity called formal proof, using advanced logic reasoning to validate the program. Otherwise or in addition, the act of determining that a particular program functions as expected, that it is in fact comprised of a correct set of instructions regarding the desired set of actions, is termed testing. If testing determines that a program is not behaving correctly, then the subsequent act of finding and correcting the problem or problems is termed debugging. The people who write computer programs are usually called programmers. The people who test programs are called testers, or perhaps more formally they are referred to as quality control personnel and the people who fix the programs are called debuggers. In most instances, particularly during the initial creation of a program, all of these functions can be performed by the same person and the combined process is simply referred to as programming. While these points are certainly basic, if not completely trivial, they do convey an important characteristic of the way that computers are prepared to address and solve problems. While there is not a clear or complete delineation, it is interesting to compare and contrast this preparatory process with the construction of a building.

We tend to anthropomorphize the act of programming a computer. While programming has a number of similarities to a construction process, it actually takes on more the appearance of teaching than of building. If we consider the construction of a building, we find that specific operations tend to be performed by specialists. Certain workers excavate the building site in preparation of laying a foundation. The foundation itself is constructed by specialists in the pouring and finishing of concrete. Once the foundation is in place, a superstructure of the building is put in place; for large buildings, this is done by the steelworkers and for small buildings or homes by the framers. Finishers prepare the internal walls and doors of the buildings. Plumbing is put in place by plumbers and electrical circuits are put in place by electricians. Finally, painters, carpet layers and interior decorators complete the construction. Depending on the structure, many other specialties might well be involved. On the other hand, the preparation of programs for computers, when they are of a small size, tends to be the activity of generalists more than that of specialists. When a building is completed, it is brought to life or commissioned by turning on the water and power and then populating it with people. When a computer program is completed, it is provisioned by loading in to it all the information that it will require for operation, and then it is placed into operation. Sometimes we refer to starting up a program as executing it; an interesting metaphorical contrast to people. Indeed, just a bit later we will consider in more detail the acts of provisioning, as they relate to people as well as computers.

The building of a large-scale program or system of programs does take on more similarities to large-scale construction. System architects evaluate requirements and establish the design for the systems and subsystems. More experienced programmers, sometimes referred to as systems analysts, define the data structures, interfaces and process flow characteristics of the system. Coders write code and perform preliminary debugging operations while quality control personnel confirm that the detailed operation of the system across its full breadth of required capabilities is conformant with the original specifications. Specialists in different areas are called to help when needed. One very specific area of specialization, much in keeping with the variants of human memory discussed by Merlin Donald, are extensions to the pure storing of ones and zeros that we usually think of when we refer to computer memory. These extensions take us into the realm of data storage; specifically leading toward databases and knowledge bases. These are the precursors in the computer world that may lead us to context sensitive memory of sensory input coupled to

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