We use computer languages to communicate with our machines. They are divided into high and low level languages. High level languages are very abstract, let's say that easily understandable by humans. Such language is Java for example. Here you have an example of a program that writes 99 beers of bottle
http://99-bottles-of-beer.net/language-java-4.htmlThere are also low level languages. These are closer to the machine. Probably the lowest and most useful is assembly. Here you have an example program just as above but written in assembly
http://99-bottles-of-beer.net/language-assembler-1158.htmlPlease do not try to understand them, just take a look.
What you see in your notepad when opening an .exe file is a machine code. You see, machines only communicate with each other using '0' and '1'. The assembly language is translated into such machine code. You can use a disassembly language if you want, put your .exe file there and you will get a similar out put like the 99 bottles of beer program written in assembly [;
Understanding the .exe file is a waste of time (unless you are a hacker or have a REALLY good reason to). As a beginner, you should read .exe files, you will become schizophrenic.
If you want to start to program, I think you should start with this:
http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/