What we mean is converting raster graphics to vector graphics. In Adobe Illustrator it's called Live Trace and Live Paint. Nevertheless there are lots and lots of conversion tools out there. Some are better than others for certain tasks or particular styles. Why convert? Raster graphics are not scalable, Vector graphics are. Raster graphics don't render hard edge graphics well, Vector graphics do. In addition, Raster graphics are considerably limited by the resolution and quality of the original source, Vector graphics are not. The AGO Design site has a list of 30+ tools for vector conversion. Most listed are Windows OS only and most are not free. PoTrace is one tool that works on most platforms and is free but it is for bitmaps exclusively. Not only that but it works on the Amiga operating system, if you can find one.
We like the word "Vectorizer". Panopticum Vectorizer works on color raster images, both Windows and Mac platforms and is only $32!
Wikipedia has a great comparison chart for Vector conversion tools.
Of course, Adobe Illustrator does a great job of conversion. If by chance though, you don't have CS3 or 4, there are other tools out there.
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