Open source refers to software that is made freely available to the public, along with the source code that was used to create it. This allows anyone to view and modify the code, making it a collaborative effort among the community of developers who use and contribute to the software.

As a beginner looking to contribute to open source, there are a few key steps you can follow:

1. Choose a project: There are many open-source projects available, ranging from small utilities to large-scale software projects. Choose a project that you are interested in, and that has a community in which you can get involved.

2. Familiarize yourself with the project: Take some time to get to know the project and its community. Read the documentation, join the mailing list, and explore the project's website to get a sense of its goals and how it operates.

3. Choose an area to contribute: Once you are familiar with the project, identify an area where you can contribute. This could be fixing bugs, writing documentation, or adding new features. Look for areas where your skills and interests align with the project's needs.

4. Start small: As a beginner, it's important to start small and work on manageable, bite-sized tasks. This will help you get familiar with the project's codebase and development process without getting overwhelmed.

5. Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for help from the project's community. They are there to support you and guide you as you learn.

6. Submit your work: Once you have made changes to the project's code, submit them for review. This will give the project's maintainers a chance to review your work and offer feedback.

7. Keep learning: Contributing to open source is an ongoing process, and there is always more to learn. Continue to explore the project, learn from the community, and develop your skills as a developer.

   Overall, contributing to open source can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to learn from others, share your knowledge, and contribute to a larger community effort.