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eBook Questions & Answers

What is an ebook? (General)

What types of ebooks are there? (Software)

How can I read an ebook? (Devices)

What is PDF?

Can I print my ebook?

Are there free ebooks?

What is an ebook? (General)    
The "electronic book" or ebook will never replace the traditional hard bound book. As to what constitutes an ebook, electronic digital media can be used to convey any type of information, art, or graphic using a variety of software platforms, e.g., MS Word, EMail, HTML web pages, or other formats like PDF or Microsoft Reader.

What types of ebooks are there? (Software) 

There are a great variety of subjects now in eBook format. However, many formats for ebooks exist. Each format (e.g., PDF, or Microsoft Reader) requires special software for viewing. Most of these are free downloads. Each ebook reader software has different advantages and limitations, and ebooks may be available in multiple formats, or in a single format. For example, the ebooks offered for sale on this site are currently in PDF format only. By using the free Adobe Reader, or Adobe Digital Editions Reader software on your computer you will be able to view your ebook. Some other formats are Microsoft Reader, Palm, and Mobipocket.

What is EPUB format?

The EPUB format is a standard ebook format sponsored by the International Digital Publishing Forum. An EPUB ebook has the extension of .epub, and is a zipped file. By renaming the .epub to ".zip" you can unzip the file.
The unzipped EPUB files contain XHTML documents, which are similar to HTML files. They can have ".htm", ".html" or ".xhtml" extension. Epub format is viewed by using Adobe Digital Editions, FBReader or Mobipocket. 

How can I read an ebook? (Devices)   Top

Depending on the format the ebook is written in, use one or more of the following devices:

-  Desktop Computer & Laptop (Windows or MAC)

 - Rocket Ebook

 - SoftBook Reader

 - MobiPocket Reader

 - Amazon Kindle

 - Palm Pilot

 - Handspring Visor

 - Readius by Polymer Vision (2008)
 - EB-100, EB-200 and EB-300 by Netronix (2008)
 - GeR2 by Ganaxa (2007)
 - Kindle by Amazon.com (2007)
 - Hanlin eReader by Jinke (2007)
 - Sony Reader by Sony (2006)
 - iRex iLiad ER-100 by iRex (2006)
 - Librié by Sony (2004)
 - Cybook Gen1 (2004), 10 inch color LCD tablet
   from Bookeen
 - Ebookwise 1150 (2004), 5.5 inch LCD, a rebranded
 - Gemstar GEB 1150.

What is PDF?   Top

"Portable Document Format." Adobe claims that PDF documents are viewable and printable on any platform — Macintosh, Microsoft® Windows®, UNIX®, and many mobile platforms. The latest versions of Adobe Reader and Adobe Digital Editions allow you to hear audio of your PDF document thus freeing you from reading the text.

How can I open my .zip PDF ebook?

The download you receive is a zipped file. You will need WinZip to extract it. You should already have this installed on your PC. If not visit www.winzip.com to download it.

Why can't I see graphics in Adobe Reader 8?

Acrobat Professional 8.1.1 may display all graphics as grey squares. This also means that files consisting of only scanned images, without OCR, are all covered with gray rectangles. These files may print out properly, but on the monitor they are unviewable.

SOLUTION: (Windows XP) On Adobe Reader's Edit menu, go to Preferences, then select "Page Display" and at the bottom see "Page Content and Information." You must check the box for "Show Large Images."

Can I print my ebook?   Top
Generally no. If allowed, there are usually limitations. However, there is no limitation on any of the ebooks purchased on this site! You may print your ebook unless specified otherwise.

What is DRM?   Top

Digital rights management (DRM) is an umbrella term that refers to access control technologies used by publishers and copyright holders to limit usage of digital media or devices. Digital rights management technologies attempt to control use of digital media by preventing access, copying or conversion by end users to other formats.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_rights_management

Are there free ebooks?      Top

Yes. Free ebooks and audiobooks are available through many public libraries. Ask your local librarian about this service for downloadable ebooks and audiobooks. Actually, these items are checked out just as traditional books. The ebook expires after the due date. Also see the free ebook section .