THEY'RE EVERYWHERE (COMPUTERS THAT IS!)
Forty years ago computers were large, mysterious machines with flashing lights and reels of magnetic tape, kept in huge ‘clean’ rooms in large scientific or commercial establishments. They only appeared to the public in science fiction films and a few documentaries (not many, as they weren’t very interesting to look at). Now they sit on our desks at the office and at home and travel around with us in a briefcase (or now, in a pocket or handbag). In between times, they apparently vanish, except for the automatic teller machine (ATM) mounted on the outside wall of your bank branch.

But they really are everywhere. The microprocessor, as small and light as a small coin, has enabled digital electronics and the software that controls it to appear just about anywhere.

For well over a decade now your car has had several: one controls fuel supply to the engine, one (or more) the engine’s response to signals from the driver, one or more anti-skid breaking, one (at least) safety systems like those that warn you when a door is open or the oil is low.