What is Tech in Computing, Examples, and How Can I Become a Tech Guru?

So, you’ve heard people say things like, “I’m in tech”, or “I work in computing”, and you’ve probably pictured them sitting in front of six glowing monitors, typing furiously like they’re hacking into NASA. Truth is, most tech work involves coffee, problem-solving, and occasionally yelling at a stubborn line of code that refuses to behave. (Been there, done that. Once, I spent three hours debugging something that turned out to be a missing semicolon.)

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before you can become the next Steve Jobs or Ada Lovelace, you need to understand what “tech in computing” actually is, where you encounter it in daily life, and how to start your journey from curious beginner to full-blown tech guru.

What is Tech in Computing?

When we talk about “tech” in the computing world, we’re referring to all the tools, systems, and skills involved in creating, processing, storing, and sharing information using computers. It’s not just about gadgets — it’s about how those gadgets and systems work together to solve problems.

Think of computing technology like a kitchen:

• Hardware is your physical tools — the stove, fridge, and blender.
• Software is the recipe — it tells you what to do.
• Networking is the pipeline that delivers your ingredients.
• Cybersecurity is the padlock that keeps your digital snacks safe from intruders.

From the smartphone in your pocket to the servers powering Netflix, computing technology is everywhere. It powers business, entertainment, science, education, and yes — even those hilarious TikTok filters that turn you into a potato.

(Want to go deeper into how tech powers online systems? Check out my guide on What is a Database?)

Examples of Tech in Computing

To understand tech in computing, you need examples you can relate to. Let’s break it down into categories so you’ll see how much of your daily life is powered by tech.

1. Hardware

Hardware is the physical side of technology. If you can touch it, it’s hardware (unless it’s your cat walking across your keyboard). Examples include:

• Computers: Desktops, laptops, servers
• Mobile devices: Smartphones, tablets
• Storage: External hard drives, USB sticks, SSDs
• Networking gear: Routers, switches, modems

Without hardware, software is useless — it’s like owning a Spotify subscription with no speakers.
(Related: How to Advertise a Website)

My first laptop was so slow, I had time to make noodles while it booted up. But hey, that old dinosaur still taught me the basics of tech.

2. Software

Software is the unseen mind of technology — it guides the hardware on what actions to take. Examples include:

• Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Applications: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Zoom
• Games: Call of Duty, Candy Crush, Fortnite
• Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari

Fun fact: Without software, your laptop would just sit there looking pretty… and doing absolutely nothing.

(Extra resource: What is WordPress? if you’re curious about website-building software.)

3. Networking

Networking is how computers talk to each other. Without it, we wouldn’t have the internet (and humanity would collectively panic). Examples:

• Internet connections (broadband, fiber, satellite)
• Wi-Fi (wireless networking in homes and offices)
• LAN/WAN (Local and Wide Area Networks)
• Bluetooth connections (headphones, car systems, smartwatches)

Your memes, emails, and YouTube videos all rely on networking to get from one device to another.

Remember the first time your Wi-Fi died right before a Zoom job interview? Yep. Networking runs your life.

4. Cybersecurity

The internet is full of hackers, scammers, and other digital troublemakers. Cybersecurity protects your data and privacy. Examples:

• Antivirus programs (Bitdefender, Avast, Norton)
• Firewalls (hardware and software-based)
• Password managers (LastPass, 1Password)
• Multi-factor authentication

Without cybersecurity, your online accounts would be as secure as a diary with “DO NOT READ” written on the cover.

(If you’re curious about online earning safety, check out What is Freebitco.in and How You Can Use It).

I’ve reset my Gmail password so many times, I’m convinced Google thinks I’m a hacker.

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

This is where tech tries to act human — sometimes impressively, sometimes hilariously wrong. Examples:

• Voice assistants (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant)
• Recommendation systems (Netflix suggesting what to watch)
• Chatbots (hello )
• Image recognition systems – for example, your phone identifying your face to unlock.

AI is behind everything from self-driving cars to Instagram deciding which ads to show you.

My voice assistant once misheard me and thought I said “how to marry a sandwich” instead of “how to make a sandwich.” Thanks, AI.

How Can I Become a Tech Guru?

Here’s the part you’re really here for. Becoming a tech guru is not about knowing everything — it’s about knowing your field deeply, keeping up with trends, and being able to solve problems effectively. Here’s your beginner-friendly, step-by-step roadmap.

1. Learn the Basics of Computing

Before you jump into coding or hacking (ethically, please), you need to understand how computers work. Start with:

• Hardware components: CPU, RAM, storage
• Operating systems: How to navigate and troubleshoot
• Networking basics: IP addresses, routers, how Wi-Fi works
• Data basics: Files, folders, formats

When I first learned how a CPU worked, I realized it’s basically a very fast decision-maker — like a chef in a kitchen who can prepare thousands of orders at once without sweating.

Want a simpler breakdown? Read What is a Database?.

2. Pick a Tech Niche

Tech is a massive field. Choosing a niche keeps you focused. Examples:

• Web development: Building websites and web apps
• Mobile app development – The process of building applications for Android or iOS platforms.
• Data science: Working with big data and analytics
• Cybersecurity: Protecting systems and networks
• Cloud computing: Managing online servers and infrastructure

I started with web development thinking it was just HTML. Then I met CSS, JavaScript, and a hundred frameworks — it was like discovering that making tea actually requires running a tea factory.

Related: How to Host Your Website on Cloud Hosting.

3. Learn a Programming Language

Programming is the foundation of most tech careers. Beginner-friendly languages include:

• Python (data science, AI, automation)
• JavaScript (web development)
• PHP (web back-end)
• Java/C# (software and mobile apps)

(Great external resource: freeCodeCamp to start coding for free.)

4. Build Real Projects

Theory is great, but employers (and clients) love proof of skill. Build:

• A personal portfolio website
• A small mobile game
• An automation script
• A chatbot or simple AI tool

My first project was a calculator app that only did addition… and sometimes crashed. When I proudly showed my friends, they said, “Cool… but my phone already has a calculator.”

5. Join Tech Communities

Learning in isolation is hard. Networking with others in tech will accelerate your growth. Join:

• Reddit: r/learnprogramming, r/webdev
• Discord: Programming and tech servers
• Meetups: Local coding bootcamps or workshops
• LinkedIn: Professional networking

At first, I was terrified to post questions online. But trust me, most people are friendlier than you expect — especially beginners helping other beginners.

6. Keep Learning and Adapting

Tech evolves quickly. If you stop learning, you’ll fall behind. Keep up with:

• Online courses (Udemy, Coursera, freeCodeCamp)
• YouTube tutorials (Traversy Media, The Net Ninja)
• Tech blogs (TechCrunch, Wired)
• GitHub projects

I once learned a new JavaScript framework on Monday, and by Friday a new, “better” one had already come out. Learning tech sometimes feels like chasing sneaker drops — by the time you grab one, another’s already trending.

7. Develop Problem-Solving Skills

Being a tech guru isn’t just about knowing stuff — it’s about solving problems efficiently. Practice:

• Debugging code
• Thinking logically through issues
• Using Google effectively (yes, it’s a skill)

You can also read my guide on How to Start Making Money with Coding Skills.

Extra Tips for Becoming a Tech Guru

1. Practice daily — even 30 minutes counts.
2. Follow industry leaders — their insights are gold.
3. Document your journey — write blog posts, share on LinkedIn.
4. Be patient — expertise takes time.

Final Thoughts

Tech in computing is the backbone of the digital world. From your phone to global banking systems, it’s everywhere. And the best part? Anyone can become a tech guru with the right mix of curiosity, practice, and persistence (plus a little caffeine).

Start with the basics, choose your niche, keep learning, and surround yourself with other learners. Before long, you’ll go from asking “What is tech?” to answering it like a pro — possibly while sipping coffee in front of six glowing monitors.

(If someone like me, who once thought HTML was short for “Hotmail,” can get into tech, then trust me — you’ve got this.)

Prince Stephen Mordi

Hi, I’m Prince Stephen Mordi, the mind behind Voob.com.ng. I write simple, beginner-friendly guides on tech, blogging, and making money online. My goal is to help you navigate the internet without headaches—because tech doesn’t have to be complicated!