Is 1280 X 800 a good background image size?

I want to get into creating background images and need to learn the rules about creating them...Is 1280 X 800 a usable size for a background? What about pixel per inch? Is there one general size people prefer and can I convert a 1280 X 800 image to that size without losing anything? Than k you...

Here's one of my backgrounds:'

 

You mean desktop wallpaper? Check this post:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/02/27/desktop-wallpaper-calendar-march-2009/

 

When I creat backgrounds for desktops. I started at 1600 x 1200 but even now there are larger screens. And now with wide screens you almost need 2 versions for Wide and Standard.

 

correct, standard web design is still 1024.

 

if you are talking about website background image
always make sure that the background is blending with the background color
thus check the site in bigger monitors than 1280x800 !!

 

Display sizes are always growing, so If you make a background for example 1280 x 800, and then want to put it on a 1600 x 1200 montor, then your going to loose pretty major quality.

And always concider what Chios said if its for webdesign. Also watch the webpage size, if your scrolling down on a long webpage, you dont want to se your background image repeated! Instead, have it fade to a solid color that the rest of the screen can be covered with.