HTML emails are the darling of commercial operators for several reasons — not only do they look better, it’s easier to track how many people read them. And there’s no reason you can’t send HTML emails to show family photos, portfolio samples to a prospective employer or just to entice people to visit your own website.

How does a computer file become everything from a letter to your Auntie Flo to a six storey advertising billboard? The digitised information has to be sent to an output device — be it your modem, your colour deskjet or a commercial four colour press.

The digital revolution is in full swing, but there’s no need to be left out just because your technology hasn’t kept up with the Jones’ (or the Jobs’). Apple’s much trumpeted digital lifestyle gives you the power to share, archive and display your music, films, home movies and photos.