The most common of the page description languages are HP PCL and Adobe PostScript. A raster graphic is an image that is recreated through the use bitmaps. These images are created by printing an array of dots. A vector graphic is an image that is generated using geometrical formulas. This is also known as an object-oriented graphic.
Vector graphics are advantageous because they can easily be resized and stretched.
In addition, vector graphics require less memory than raster graphics. Rated performance is a measure provided by the manufacturer of the maximum speed, usually the fastest speed at which the print engine can operate. However, complex pages that involve both text and heavy graphical images may require so much processing time by the printer that the printer is simply incapable of achieving rated speed. Resolution refers to the number of dots that can be printed within a specified area. The typical resolution for most laser output is 600 dpi.