Is a computer just its processor? Is a person just their brain? Or their heart? I know that a computer has several different physical parts that run everything - a power supply, ram, etc. but just like how knowledge of how each body part works within the greater system of the body isnt a prerequisite to being able to think about human nature, technical understanding of computers is not required to ask questions about what a computer really is.
It a machine. Is it my friend? It is a source of information. Who wants us to think that its my friend? computer companies have been pushing that idea since apple started doing it (and maybe earlier)? Governments do too, as computers have shown themselves to be great tools in enforcing order which governments and other authoritarian groups use to great effect.