[en] This discussion concentrates on basic physics aspects of inelastic processes of excitation, ionization, and recombination that occur during electron-ion collisions. Except for cases of illustration along isoelectronic sequences, only multicharged (at least +2) ions are specifically discussed with some emphasis of unique physics aspects associated with ionic charge. The material presented is discussed from a primarily experimental viewpoint with most attention to electron-ion interacting beams experiments. In the spirit of a NATO Advanced Study, this presentation is intended for persons who are not already experts in the subject but who want to gain some basic understanding of the field and a flavor of current research activities in the field. Two previous NATO Advanced Studies contain a number of papers which relate directly to the present topic and will be specifically referenced. In addition there are a number of recent reviews or overviews of specific parts of the present topic which can be relied on for some details. 86 references