Textures....

I am a very-very beginner in 3d modelling, so i can't understand some things. Here is the one I really need to know but I can't figure out...
Can anybody tell me a very basic thing: HOW CAN I PUT A TEXTURE ON A MODEL??? This is the only thing I can't understand. Let's say I have a BMP image (let's say it's wood) and a simple cube. And I want to put this image on to the cube's side.
I guess it works almost in the same way at each 3d modellers... if I'm not right, I tell you I have Lightwave 8.5, and if it is really neccessery I can get 3d studion max 7...
Could anybody advise a tutorial or write one himself? Just because I can't find any tutorials to do this very basic thing...
Can anybody tell me a very basic thing: HOW CAN I PUT A TEXTURE ON A MODEL??? This is the only thing I can't understand. Let's say I have a BMP image (let's say it's wood) and a simple cube. And I want to put this image on to the cube's side.
I guess it works almost in the same way at each 3d modellers... if I'm not right, I tell you I have Lightwave 8.5, and if it is really neccessery I can get 3d studion max 7...
Could anybody advise a tutorial or write one himself? Just because I can't find any tutorials to do this very basic thing...