Its all built into the Photometric lights. To get area lights scroll down to 'Shape/Area Shadows' and set the shape to anything but point. Also it can be nice to make the light visible to the renderer. Photometics can be used for both Bulbs or a sun but if your doing exterior rendering check out the mental ray sun and sky…
Thank you for the tips, I've only just had time to get back to it. Everything you've said works!.. it's so easy when you know how and the renders are much nicer.. I think I'll get myself a book/tutorial on this Just one query with these photometric lights, I only have Target light, Free light and mr Sky Portal, are they…