inserting a background/reference image [solved!]

forgive me, i’m retarded. i want to start modeling a new character head in blender, and i wish to model with a reference image. i’ve done so before, with inserting the image into a numpad-set view window, but not with adding the image as a texture to a plane. i can’t remember how to set it like that. i thought that was called a background image, but in adding that name to a search brought me no help. anybody know what i’m talking about? i’m working with 2.41.

It’s called Background Image still, it’s in the View options at the bottom of the 3d view window.

thank you! i knew the answer was mind-blaringly simple. i was looking all over for a keyboard shortcut thing.