not dummy questions! A springform pan is a pan that is round. It is made of metal. It has a base and then you can remove the sides. It has a big "clip" thing on the side that makes the sides loose or tight. When you put the pan together, you "lock" the sides. Then you "open" the lock to take the sides away. and you can then cut the cake. You can get one at walmart. It will say "springform pan" right on it. A waterbath is when you prepare the cheescake and pour it into the springform pan.Then you put the springform pan into a larger baking pan that has sides and fill the larger pan with water(just and inch or two of water). The water produces steam and makes it less likely that the cheesecake will crack on the top (this is very common with cheesecakes).