Solution

(a) The washing machine is a mechanical computer insofar as it does not interpret its instructions but simply executes them. The instructions for 50 C${}^\circ$ , ``coloured cottons'', ``half-load'' and ``start'' are precisely defined by control knobs and button positions on the washing machines. Therefore the washing machine can correctly interpret the instructions given in the text. This means it is a program. (b) The object of the sentence ``do the washing'' has not been specified: the understanding rests upon the convention of the English language whereby ``the washing'' usually refers to washing clothes rather than anything else. In other words, interpretation of the sentence requires a human mind. Therefore, this is not a program.