Raster Image Processor - is either a hardware or combination hardware/software that converts postscript files into bitmaps files intended for a device like and imagesetter or a laser printer. Technically, Ghostscript is a RIP, but in practice, a RIP is more commonly known as a special workstation/software combination used to send image data to a press or for film output. You can also use a RIP for printing with algorithms like error diffusion and schochastic to enlarge images without loss of sharpness.