DC machines operate on the principles of electromagnetic induction and force. They have commutators, field windings, and armature windings. DC machines can operate as motors or generators depending on the direction of power flow. Speed in DC motors can be controlled through methods like armature voltage control, field control, and armature resistance control. DC generators have open-circuit, load, and external characteristics that define their performance based on variables like terminal voltage, field current, and load current. Efficiency is impacted by losses such as copper losses and mechanical losses.