JPEG, GIFF/JIFF, BMP, and TIFF are most commonly used formats for storing still image files such as photographs, graphics, and drawings. JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group and is a standard for image compression. However, some amount of data/detail is lost in process. JPEG therefore is characterized by a glossy compression technique for still color images, just as MPEG is used for compressing motion picture files. GIFF/JIFF stands for Graphics Interchange format, which is a bit-mapped graphics file format. Its storage is limited to about 256 colors as against 16 million colors in JPEG. GIFF therefore is more suitable to store illustrations rather than color photos. Other popular formats for storing bit-mapped images are TIFF (Tagged image file format), BMP,and PCX. You'll also see GIF and JPG. You may be wondering what a bit-map is? A bit-map graphic is composed of a pattern of dots (each dot containing bits of data). Vector graphics, on other hand, use geometrical formulas to represent images. The latter can be scaled i.e. object size can be changed while maintaining its shape. Vector images are thus more flexible than bit-maps. Also vector imageslook better on higher resolution and require less memory. This brings us to difference between Paint programs and Draw programs. In Paint program drawings are represented as bit-maps. Draw programs, on other hand, represent images as vector graphics.

Why we need to convert images from one format to another?

It's more than just next techno fad, notebook computers offer some very practical solutions to our computing requirements and needs. There are some real solid reasons why they have become so popular among their users. These are same reasons why you should consider making your next PC purchase a notebook or laptop computer.

So if you need convincing, here are those 10 solid reasons why you should consider buying a notebook computer:

1. Size. This is one situation where size really does matter. It's main reason you should consider buying a notebook or laptop in first place. You want a PC that will fit neatly in your hand to take to your next office meeting, you want a convenient laptop to take to class or you want a notebook for your next cross country business trip.

Notebooks come in a variety of sizes to match your needs or purpose. They are categorized or grouped accordingly:

Tablet PC (smallest) Size of a paper tablet or notepad, less than 3 pounds.

Ultra Portable (small), around 11" x 10", less than 1.3 inches thick, less than 4 pounds.

Thin and Light (mid-size), around 11-14" x 11", 1 to 1.4 inches thick, from 5 to 7 pounds.

Desktop Replacements (largest), more than 13" x 11", more than 1.5 inches, more than 7 pounds and up.

As you can see there is a great range of sizes so you should have no trouble finding a notebook computer to satisfy your needs. Just match notebook size to main purpose or use of your notebook and you can't go wrong.

2. Portability. Probably second, if not most important reason you're considering buying a notebook or laptop. You want a PC that's portable and lightweight. One that you can take anywhere; to class, to meetings, on business trips or from room to room in your home.

This freedom of movement -- taking your office or vital data along on your business or personal travels is main selling point of notebook computer. The portability factor is one you should seriously consider -- do you need a portable computer for your home, work or just for pure enjoyment.

3. Performance. Not too long ago, notebooks or laptops were viewed by many as second class computers when compared to performance and speed of mighty desktop PC. Distance cousins discreetly allocated to sidelines.

But things have changed! Although still not on par with desktop, thanks to next generation notebook chipset, Intel's New Sonoma Platform, many notebooks come very close to providing performance level of a desktop PC. Many notebooks, especially desktop replacements, already have impressive technical specs that would shame most ordinary desktops. Some of these desktop replacements even use desktop processors or CPUs.

With hard drives up to 100GB or more at (7,200rpm), with RAM up to 2MB in some cases, and supported with Intel Pentium 4's, at 3.4GHz or more --- most notebooks are very capable of handling almost all computing applications and functions with ease. They can do job.