Compression.... please explain?!?!?!

Dear Digi001 users who know more than me, Please explain or point out a URL, book, magazine article, anything that describes compression (also limiting and gating) in detail. I'm a novice in recording and reading the DUC I see these processes being referred to constantly. This must be the "missing link" in the quality of my recordings. Please don't flame me for being ignorant.

Try here...

I found this explanation pretty good. Joe Meek produced the 'Tornadoes' and others...back in the early 60s.

Thanks for these references, guys. Very helpful!

Wow. I found the Waves articles to be very interesting! Thanks!