Thermodynamics

[Feynmanfan]

I'm having a problem understanding some basic principles of thermodynamics.
Let there be a system composed of a mass attached to a spring. The system is in a case full of water (and bounded by diathermal walls) connected to a source of heat. What will happen?

Now the system is a spring and some gas (altogether) in an adiabatic wall bounded case. The case has a little hole. What happens?

I don't know how to analyse it. What's the hole for? Could you guys help me out?

Thanks