First, it is determined that the positions of the second track and the fourth track have been determined. The remaining three people (B, C, E) can choose between these two positions. So for everyone, there are two choices: get on the second track or the fourth track.
According to the principle of multiplication, we multiply the possibility of each person's choice, that is, 2 × 2 × 2 = 8 possible scheme arrangements.
So, a * * * has eight programs.