Graphics Explained

• Computer graphics are essentially any on-screen element that is not text or audio. These graphics play a wide variety of roles in the modern computer. One critical function of computer graphics are the images that make up the graphical user interface of operating systems. Apart from this more practical role, computer graphics can serve as decoration within the computer environment or simply video or art.
  
  

Graphics Card

• The graphics card is a type of computer hardware that is responsible for generating computer graphics. Most graphic cards use the computer's CPU to conduct calculations that they then send to the computer's monitor. Some graphic cards contain processors of their own. These calculations occur continuously and they tell the monitor how to fill each pixel. Each of the millions of pixels in a computer monitor must be precisely controlled for the computer to render an image.
  
  

Elements of Graphics

• Computer graphics can be reproductions of actual photographs or images created within the computer itself. In either case, the graphics themselves contain the same elements as any other image. The primary elements of computer graphics are shading, color and radiosity. Because light does not fall on surfaces evenly, the computer must be able to actually render lighter or darker areas. This data is stored within the digital image file itself and rendered by the graphics card. Algorithms that deal with radiosity allow light to be realistically rendered in applications that use 3D graphics such as video games.
  
  

Applications

• The applications for computer graphics are literally endless. Practically whatever task a computer is put to that requires human interaction will involve graphics to some degree. Computer graphics are often used in modern cinema, video games, and television. Computer graphics are also often used in the field of education. Interactive and educational games and presentations make heavy use of computer graphics to grab and hold their audience's attention. Computer graphics also provide an industry for a growing number of computer professionals who create 3D models, animation and digital art.