Raster imaging deals with a matrix of squares, a color being assigned to the address of each cell. Vector imaging deals with mathematic operators that tell the computer to render the image you are seeing on your screen, rather than simply being an archive of the pixels.
The main advantage of vector works are their being resolution independant. This is an immeasurable boon if you have to deal with things going into the print medium. They tend to look very clean and smooth, also. Easier to animate with (you've heard of Flash, perchance?), and it lends itself to graphic design most especially.
That being said, I hate them. Working with them, that is. Give me photoshop and its rasters any day.
Adobe Illustrator is the standard tool for vector imaging. Corel might have an equivalent, and I know Macromedia did, but since Adobe bought out Macromedia, it matters very little.
Illustrator World might be a good resource for the inquisitive minds out there.
In response to the post below: I simply couldn't guarantee that I would have access to the internet until September. Evidently, I am living at a location where it is available. Better sooner than later, at any rate.
