A) either with EQ or a multi-band compressor. The Waves plugins have both a paragraphic EQ and the C4 mutli-band compressor (which can also be used to EQ).
B) There's an option to "apply gain"...under the 'Process' pulll-down, I think. You can get the peak level, then apply that much gain, or a little less if you dont' want to peak at 0dB. I guess, in the past (may not be the case anymore) that some CD players had problems with levels that peaked at 0dB, so some recommend peaking at -0.2, or thereabouts.
Instead of applying Gain, I use the Waves L1 Maximizer to do this, as it will attenuate the signal if you clip, rather than giving distortion, but that's probably frowned upon by most.
C) If by "equalize" you mean raise certain frequencies, and reduce others, use the Waves Q10 paragraphic EQ, or some other such filter. Do a google search to find primers on what freq ranges are good for certain instruments, etc, to help guide the settings you use.
D) As mentioned above, peak at -.5 to 0dB. I personally peak at -0.2, but that may be unncessary.
J