New to Java

Hi,
I would just like some information regarding the equals and the hasdcode methods in the java.lang.Object package. Ok I know that equals compares where two objects are the same.....same? how....take the same location in memory or are they the same type. Hashcode what is its point. What is it used for?

Finally, if you override the equals method why should you can the hashcode method too.

Thanks for your help.