Newbie Help With Texturing

I'm new to texturing and 3D modeling, etc. The modeling part, I get for the most part. I'm still learning and I have a long way to go but I usually pick things up quick so it hasn't been a problem. However, I can't quite grasp the concept for texturing. Now, when I say texturing I mean specifically wrapping textures around detailed 3D objects. As far as everything else, I understand. Software, tutorials...? Anything help is appreciated. A basic explanation should suffice. Thanks in advance for any help that can be given.

For wrapping textures around detailed 3D objects UVW mapping is used.

Here is a good video tutorial about UVW mapping:




Here is also an article on wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UV_mapping

Imagine glued paper figurine or turned inside out skin of animal. Basically to texture everything right you need to represent 3D model on flat 2D surface (process of unwrapping). Depending on UVLayout a lot of texturing techniques can be used.