Direct3D employs four types of lights: point lights, spotlights, directional lights, and parallel-point lights. You choose the type of light you want when you set the light properties after creating a light object. The illumination properties and the resulting computational overhead varies with each type of light. The following light types, supported in Direct3D, are discussed:
Do not confuse light objects with the concept of an ambient light level. For more information, see Direct Light vs. Ambient Light, Light Properties and Using Lights.