Introduction

At its best, Apple has always focused on one particular mission: identifying powerful but complex technologies and distilling them into far simpler packages. You shouldn't have to be a professional working for a media conglomerate, says Apple, to harness cutting-edge technology for your own creative expression and entertainment.

That's the philosophy behind the iLife software suite. Each of the five programs in this $80 package is a streamlined, attractive, easy-to-use version of software that was once hopelessly complex (or hopelessly expensive).

Each of the five programs is designed to serve as the digital hub for a different kind of artistic expression:

• iTunes 4 , for managing, playing, buying, and sharing digital music.

• iPhoto 5 , for downloading photos from your digital camera, and organizing, sharing, and printing them.

• iMovie HD , for editing footage from a digital camcorder, adding effects, sound, and credits, and then presenting the result.

• GarageBand 2 , for composing and recording terrific -sounding songs of your own.

• iDVD 5 , for burning DVDs containing the movies, music, and photos from iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand. Professional DVDs in every wayexcept you get to make them yourself!

Technically speaking, you can perform all of the same tasks using other software brands and other kinds of computers. But not as easily, not as consistently, not as pleasurably, and certainly not for a grand total of $80 (or free with a new Mac).