WHAT THE F IS A COMPUTER (INTRO)

WHAT THE F IS A COMPUTER ANYWAY!

Before we wade into the tangled jungle of Information Technology, let’s start with the absolute basics. Think of it as stretching before a workout—or reading IKEA instructions before building a bookshelf. You could skip it, but you’d probably regret it! So, let’s begin with a seemingly simple yet deceptively tricky question: What the F is a computer?

I know, I know. It sounds obvious, right? Computers are everywhere. I’ve been using one since primary school—typing away my homework, sending emails at work, wasting hours on YouTube searching banana bread recipes. I’m even writing this blog post on one. However, here’s the thing: when someone asked me this very question a year ago, I flailed. I mean, I thought I knew the answer. My attempt? “It’s, uh, an electronic thing that lets you use the internet, make documents, binge TV shows, and play games… basically an information device.” 😌

Sure, all of that’s technically correct, but it’s also hilariously wrong. How so, you ask? Impossible, you say! 😐

Well, that’s not what a computer is; it is, however, what a computer does. It’s like saying a car is “that thing that takes me to work and lets me put my Asda food shopping in the boot.” All true, but also missing a massive chunk of the picture.

And the person who asked me? They were kind enough to point that out. Cue me freezing like a browser with too many tabs open and realising I didn’t have a clue!

They were absolutely right—I didn’t actually know what a computer is. I knew how to use one (sort of), but I didn’t understand the fundamentals, and without those, I was basically trying to build a house with no foundation. Or even worse, applying Fenty foundation without primer. Tragic!

So, let’s get this sorted, shall we? We’re about to peel back the mystery and figure out what a computer is—because let’s face it, if we’re going to live in a world powered by these things, we might as well know how they tick. Rather than turning this into one biblically long blog post (because who has the patience for that?), I’ve decided to break it into two categories—kind of like a choose-your-own-adventure, but with less peril and more satisfaction. Plus, it is easier for me as the categories can be updated or expanded later, because who doesn’t love a sequel?

Part One: The History of Compute A whirlwind tour of how we went from counting on wooden beads to the modern-day machines we love to watch Dune: Prophecy on. Spoiler: it gets wild.

Part Two: Let's Talk Basic? Where we finally unravel the mysteries of computing to understand the hardware components, software, and how it all comes together.

Okay, without further ado, let’s dive straight in.

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Disclaimer Although I love to think of myself as the all-seeing and all-knowing oracle out of The Matrix, I am still navigating the world of tech and learning as I go along. I am not a teacher, guru, tech influencer, xenomorph with a laptop, or expert. I am merely a student—learning, making mistakes, and growing from them. The purpose of this blog is to create a space where we can explore being clueless in the cloud and learn the world of IT together. Thank you. 😉what a computer is—because let’s face it, if we’re going to live in a world powered by these things, we might as well know how they tick.

Rather than turning this into one biblically long blog post (because who has the pat