What is an ebook?
An ebook is simply a digital book. They are designed to be read on a computer screen – desktop or laptop – or a handheld device such as your mobile phone, pda or ebook reader. Ebooks come in a variety of formats, some of which are more suitable than others for different devices. For more information about which format to choose, see the chart.
What do I need to read an ebook?
If you are reading on your computer or a handheld device you will need to download and install free ebook reading software before you can read your ebook. Ebook reading software allows you to open and read your ebook. Each ebook format has its own ebook reading software – for example if you wish to read a Microsoft Reader ebook, you will need to download the Microsoft Reader software. For more information about whichformat to choose, see the chart.
If you are reading on a dedicated ebook reader – like the Iliad – all you need is to download the appropriate file and transfer it to your ebook reader. See your ebook reader’s instruction manual to select the best format for your needs.
What are the different ebook formats?
The Books You’ll Love ebook is available in two formats — Microsoft Reader and Mobipocket Reader.
Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Reader is free software that runs on most Microsoft Windows computers as well as Windows Mobile smart phones and on Pocket PC PDAs.
To download the Microsoft Reader: http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/default.mspx
For more information visit the Microsoft Reader site: http://www.microsoft.com/reader
Mobipocket Reader
Mobipocket Reader runs on most Microsoft Windows computers as well as many smart phones (Symbian, Windows Mobile etc) and most PDAs (Palm/Pocket PC etc.).
Download the Mobipocket Reader: http://www.mobipocket.com/en/DownloadSoft/ProductDetailsReader.asp
For more information visit the Mobipocket site: http://www.mobipocket.com
Which ebook format is best for me?
To determine which ebook format is right for you, please refer to the chart below:
|
Adobe PDF |
Microsoft Reader |
Mobipocket Reader |
Device |
Windows computers, Palm OS handhelds, Macintosh computers. |
Windows computers, Pocket PC PDAs, Windows Mobile smart phones. |
Windows computers, Palm OS handhelds, Windows Mobile smart phones, Blackberry, Symbian smart phones, dedicated ebook readers (Iliad, Cybook) and many more. |
Printable text |
Yes – when the publisher gives permission |
No |
No |
Mac compatible |
Yes |
No |
No |
Why do I need to certify or activate my ebook reading software?
Many ebooks are subject to Digital Rights Management (DRM) to protect authors’ and publishers’ copyrights. DRM requires you to activate or certify your ebook reading software so that you can open encrypted files. Follow the help files provided by your ebook reading software for information on how to activate or certify your software.
Microsoft and Adobe both require you to activate or certify your reader. This one-off process allows the ebook reader to work with the encryption systems that protect authors’ and publishers’ copyrights.
The Books You’ll Love ebook is not protected by DRM – you do not need to activate or certify your reader to open this ebook.
Can I read ebooks on my Macintosh?
Yes, you can read ebooks in PDF format – choose Adobe PDF or Adobe Digital Edition, Mobipocket Reader and Microsoft Reader ebooks cannot be read on Macs.