An ebook (or electronic book) is a book in a computer file format.
More questions? Only joking. B-)
But really, that's all an ebook is, a book that is complied into an electronic file format. If you have written letters on your computer, using your document program, you've in effect created an ebook.
The difference comes in that the books available on our web site, and generally on the Internet, have been compiled to make it a bit easier to work through than a straight-forward file.
- You can click on links to go to other sections.
- You can view graphics.
- You can listen to audio tapes that may be included.
- You can even watch video clips, on some formats.
- You can print out the pages you want, if this facility is allowed.
Think of an ebook as a web site in a file.
When you visit a web site you can move around like YOU want. You can jump from one section to another and back easily. You can read the section you want, in the order you want.
We use two main formats for our ebooks:
- An executable file format (.exe) - suitable for Windows PC's, and
- A PDF (Portable Document File), which can be used on any computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader (which is free to download). This make the format suitable for both Windows PC's and Mac.
How does an ebook benefit you?
- Easy to store - it's only a file on your computer. You don't have to keep a printed format of the book, you print the pages you want (normally allowed).
- Easy to navigate - With the links provided in ebooks you can easily go to the sections you want.
- Immediately available - if you buy an ebook you will normally get your download instructions within minutes after making your purchase. No more waiting for it to be mailed to you. You want it? You've got it!
- Tons of additional information - Many ebooks include links to their references, and all you have to do is click on the link to go to the web site or web page they're referring to. You will have to be connected of course.
- Get information not easily available - Many ebooks are written by people who have a certain expertise, but because of the subject do not publish their books in a printed version. This means that the information they offer are not available in your local book store, or computer store.
- Get up to date information - Because these books are computer files they are very easy to update, so that you will normally get the latest available information. Unlike a normal book where your information may be totally out of date. Many ebook publisher will offer you their latest version when they update it, either free or for a small fee, depending on the level of the update.
Ebooks are the books of the present and the future
