Final answer:
Computers perform tasks based on a combination of their programming and provided input data, executing instructions exactly as outlined by the code. They do not act at random or independently but rather follow the logical sequence determined by their software and inputs.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Computers Execute Instructions
Computers function based on a specific set of instructions given to them through computer programs. The analogy here is that a computer's program plus the input history determines what the computer will do next, similar to how a person's genetic make-up combined with their experience influences their next actions. Therefore, computers do exactly what you tell them to do. They operate on a logical sequence of operations defined by their programming and the data they receive as inputs. Hence, when programmers write code, they are creating a series of commands that the computer will follow precisely. If unexpected behavior occurs, it's typically due to a misunderstanding in the programming instructions or unforeseen interactions with input data, rather than randomness or autonomous decision-making by the machine.