You do need some hardware and software in order to "play" computer files. Most new computer systems have them. If your computer is old, have a maven check that you have a sound card and MIDI playing software.

You need further software for seeing the "notes". By the way usually "notes" mean the standard musical notation which tells you the pitch and duration of each note. You can use this to play any musical instrument. "Tablature" tells you where to put your fingers on the instrument. There is tablature for harmonicas, keyboards, etc; but when we folkies say "tablature" we usually mean guitar tablature. Classical musicians insist upon standard musical notation; but us folkies can argue for hours as to which is better--tablature or notes.

Finally, what you say about understanding computers, Ruby. Remember what the great British scientist Heavyside said. "I don't have to understand my digestive system to enjoy a good steak."

Murray

PS There is another notation for music used on the net called "ABC". It tells you the notes to play and the duration using a different system. It is harder for a human to read; but there are computer programs that convert it to musical notation or to sound files. Their form is such that they are easy to transmit and they are pretty much independent of computer system.