Compression, filtering, eqing, etc...

Just wondering if someone could explain what some of these things are/mean.where I can do them. I have seen alot of talk about compression and filtering lately, most of the time compression is used when talking about drums, but what is it? and where can I do it? Can I do it in my MPC, or do I need something else...same thing with the others...I know this is a newbie question...but it would be useful to know. Thanks alot.

www.mpc-samples.com they have pdf books available support the site! gyeah my bad. put www.mpc-tutor.com

Here's an article from SoundonSound about compression
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun99/articles/mixcomp.htm
You can google filtering and eq'ing to get more info.There are alot of articles all over the net that can help get you goin in the right direction.

Ok, thanks alot.