how? File protection on PHP

i, now, know how to protect a .php page(through Php5) using session management, the problem is, i don't know how to protect some of my files(except .php) like .html, .swf .jpg etc. If the user got the direct link of that particular file, i want them to see "You need to login to view this image/file!" on their screen, .htaccess is very complicated to use since i am using a mysql db.

any ideas?

Thanks!

Depending on your host, most control panels for your hosting account will have an easy point-and-click way to add the .htaccess protection to any folder. My host uses cPanel and I can do it really easily.