htaccess by user

Hi,

I am newbie here, need some help, if i want to restrict the access to folder by user,i can use htaccess where some user log in can see a list of menu. But if i want certain user to see some of the menu (not all, some of the hyperlink will be disable), how can i do it? i dont want to use the mysql or server database as it too hard for me.

I have found a htaccess script whereby can define the user and user also can change password. but the only thing i dunno how to restrict the access by user level.

maybe should i use redirect function? but i need to create more work to direct user to different folder right? what if some of the hyperlink is to the similiar area?

Pls help and appreciate your help in advance.