Dab, assuming you ever read this (i.e. haven't been chased off by the previous responses!) then I have to agree that your first move should be a good book, from a good music store or a source like Amazon.com. The last time I was in Guitar Center I saw several good books on basic recording technology in their Pro Audio department. Grab one of those and read through it, then come back to this web site with your specific questions. Magazines can be a good source too, although many of them (like MIX) are geared towards the experianced engineer/producer. Since you have an interest in the subject, maybe you already know someone who is an amateur or a professional. If so, try to hang around with him/her sometime when he/she is doing a mix down and just stay in the background and watch. And good luck to you...