Posts Tagged ‘Choosing’

Choosing an Ebook Compiler

=================================================== Choosing an
eBook Compiler
===================================================

What is an eBook compiler?

You’ve written and revised your ebook, hired an artist who has
produced outstanding graphics, and now you’re ready to actually
put together your ebook. What you need to make an ebook is
software called an ebook Compiler.

There are many different compilers to chose from, but first, you
need to know exactly what an ebook Compiler does. Here is the
simple explanation:

An ebook compiler is a software program that converts either
text pages or HTML text into a single executable file or an
ebook.

If you or someone you hired has created a file with graphics in
HTML, you will need an HTML ebook Compiler. This type of
compiler requires a working knowledge of the HTML tag language.
You can also use software to do this for you, such as Microsoft
FrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver.

How do you choose an eBook Compiler?

There are a large number of ebook Compilers available on the
market, all with glowing sales copy and tekkie language. It can
get very confusing and overwhelming very fast without some
simple guidelines to help you figure out which compiler is right
for you.

Choosing an ebook Compiler depends on a number of factors:

1. How did you create your pages? Did you use HTML or PDF
format? There are many more compilers available for HTML, but
you can find some very good compilers that will covert your PDF
files into an ebook.

2. Consider how easy the program is to use and the thoroughness
of the software’s instruction manual. It is absolutely necessary
that the compiler you buy have an instructional manual,
documentation, or online “wizards.” If it doesn’t, your chances
of figuring out how to correctly use the program are
compromised, and the time required doing so is going to be
significant. Many manufacturers of compilers offer a free trial
version so you can play around with it and see if it suits your
needs. Download the trial version and ascertain that it actually
does what it claims to do.

3. Security features. If you plan to sell your ebook, check out
the security features of the compiler software carefully.
Security features should include: prevention of the reader from
modifying text, access only to the pages you assign or by
entering a password, different ways of generating passwords such
as secure passwords, user-friendly, and open passwords.

4. Supported scripting. Find out what scripts the software
supports. Scripting allows you to create special effects,
customize menus, and create and modify other user interactivity.
Choose a compiler that permits you to include graphics, search
windows, hyperlinks, forms, surveys, etc.

5. Pricing. This is a factor that is not always easy to gauge.
The highest priced compilers are not automatically your best
choice. Choose your compiler based on the necessary requirements
for your Ebook. That means you need to know exactly how you plan
to use your Ebook and what functions you require.

Let’s look at some of these factors in more detail. First of
all, make sure you have the correct browser to run the compiler.
The majority of HTML compilers use Microsoft Internet Explorer
or Netscape. Check out the version that the compiler supports.
Compilers that require a browser will not run on a computer that
does not have the required browser installed. However, there are
ebook HTML compilers that don’t require you to have any browser
installed on your computer. These compilers run on any Windows
system.

If you choose a compiler that requires a browser, check to
ascertain that the browser is installed correctly and that it is
properly configured to the specifications of the compiler. Check
to see if certain functions are turned off or on, and make any
adjustments according to the compiler instructions.

Security is an essential element of any compiler, regardless of
whether you plan to sell or give away your ebook. One of the
main reasons for using a compiler is to prevent the reader from
modifying the contents. A secure compiler allows access only to
the pages you want the user to access unless they enter a
correct password.

To find out how secure an ebook HTML compiler is, open an ebook
on it. While it is open, check the temporary directory of your
computer. This can usually be accessed by typing in C:Windows
emp. If you see a bunch of files when your ebook is open or
running, it means that your computer is decompressing the secure
data from your ebook before showing the ebook to the viewer.
This method is not secure! It means that anyone with the
knowledge of how to access these temporary files can steal the
secure data and then they can fiddle with your ebook to their
evil heart’s desire. Remember, one of the main purposes of
buying and using an HTML compiler is to protect your property.

Next, let’s discuss passwords. When trying to choose an ebook
Compiler, check out the type of passwords that the compiler
supports. Almost all compilers offer some kind of password
protection that insures that the user can only access the
contents they have purchased from you. However, the best
compilers offer varied ways to generate different types of
passwords. Choose a compiler that gives you the options of
secure, user-friendly, and open password generation.

Another important factor when it comes to passwords is how the
compiler generates them. A compiler that has internal password
protection generation built into the software is more secure
than compilers that link to live Internet password control
systems.

Find out if the compiler generates passwords online. If it has
this option, it allows you to choose any payment processing
system you want or to do the payment processing yourself.

Next, look into the size of ebook the compiler supports. The
best compilers can create ebooks up to 2 GB in size without
decompressing the HTML pages or images to your hard disk.
Usually, ebooks that are 2 GB in size can easily support 6 GB of
compressed data. The catch here is that only text files will
generally be compressible.

You do not want a compiler that decompresses this amount of data
when the user attempts to open your ebook. This would mean that
anyone who purchases your ebook will have to wait for all the
data to decompress before they can access your ebook right after
downloading it. So look for compilers that only decompress
temporarily files that are NOT HTML to the local hardisk.
Non-HTML files include Flash, Word, and Acrobat files. This type
of compiler is more secure and certainly faster.

Make sure the compiler you choose is compatible with your system
software. Check out what version of Windows it requires, and
make sure you have that version before buying your compiler.

Support issues are extremely important. Choose a compiler that
includes an installation program. This program allows your user
to choose a number of different places on their computer to
install the ebook, to place a shortcut on their desktop, and to
add the ebook, if they choose, to the Start Programs menu.

You also want excellent and accessible vendor support. Make sure
you can access quick technical support! At three o’clock in the
morning, this factor will be VERY important. Also, check to see
the terms of free technical support offered. Unlimited technical
support is obviously the best option.

Check to see if the company that puts out the compiler software
offers a service level agreement. This agreement is to assure
you of their quality response to your questions or problems.

A good thing to consider is how long the compiler has been on
the market. Usually, the version number will give you an idea.
The longer the program is on the market, the higher the version
number, the more bugs have been worked out.

When choosing an ebook compiler, do not be swayed by incredible
promises and dazzling sales copy. Do your homework first, and
then consider all the above issues and factors before choosing
an ebook compiler

Choosing Kindle eBook Reader

A great innovation in the world of reading has been materialized through the effort of Amazon. Readers now experience the shift from the paper-made books at the online or offline bookstores to the electronically controlled Kindle eBook Reader. With this latest eBook reader, customers need not wait in line. Kindle is a thoughtful way of protecting the environment by lessening the cutting of trees that are used to make papers.

Its wireless delivery system is highly appreciated as it serves as the Internet connection of the device to possibly download thousands of books online. Customers can directly shop, order and purchase book content right on Kindle eBook reader with the use of Whispernet. Unlike the other ways of downloading things, personal computer is not a must to be able to do so and you don’t need a hotspot area to perform the download. With Whispernet, you can be anywhere within the country for the Internet connection.

The traditional ways of reading through books, newspapers, magazines and others have already been enhanced into something which loads up so much content in just one portable eBook reader. The interesting thing about this product is that customers can download the first few pages of the books for sample reading prior to finalizing the deal. Aside from that, they also offer a free trial subscription for newspapers. Where to buy Kindle is not a problem because it is always available at Amazon’s online shopping site.

Kindle eBook reader is definitely user-friendly. It won’t result to any eye problems because it is purposely made to be crisp and natural to read on like what everyone got used to reading the paper books. The impressive features of this eBook reader include the smart automatic cross-device bookmarking and annotation, fast page turn, adjustable text size, text-to-speech and the immediate on-screen dictionary.

The processing time upon doing the download is very quick; you can absolutely get the books you want in just a matter of few minutes. Additionally, Amazon did the upgrade on the processor of the product so that the screen will refresh around 20% quicker between page turns. Furthermore, it has the ability to load up to 1,500 books or the different classified newspaper and blog subscriptions, including the JPEG images.

Choosing to buy Amazon kindle is a blessing because it lessens family expenses and saves a lot of time because you no longer have to visit at the store for the books. If you travel a lot and you don’t stay long at one place, the best option for you is to have the device so you don’t have to bring with you your favourite weighty books. It is going to be a completely different reading experience for both the avid and the occasional readers.

A Simple Guide For Choosing An Ebook Reader

Electronic ebooks (also know as Kindles) have become very popular in the last couple of years and for good reason. For less space than a lot of books they can contain a library of books holding a couple hundred thousand pages. They are highly portable and have the ability to download additional books if you have enough storage. They are also easy to read with their paper like screens and many models have convenient touch screen controls. Some ebooks even come with free libraries already stored and ready to read. If the digital ebook does not impress you think what it would be like to carry the same amount of literature down the street or to the library or onboard a flight – remember we are talking about a couple of hundred thousand pages, and, in some cases many more.This guide wil make a simple comparison of three models of ebooks in three price ranges to simplify your purchasing decision.

To start with I’ll write about the Sony PRS-900BCKIT Daily Edition e-reader. This power-packed reader can be found for about $400.00 and has a lot of features to command that price. Starting with the fact that is 3G wireless capable one can browse and download books that are in PDF as well as ePub formats. It has 1.6 GB memory onboard which can store hundreds of books. It is easily to navigate with touch screen controls on a 7 inchdisplay. Not only does the display look and read like paper, you also have access to six adjustable font sizes. That feature alone should take care of all but the most severely sight challenged. Additional features include a built in dictionary, compatibility with Mac and PC, and viewable in portrait and landscape viewing.

In the mid-price range you can find ebooks like the Bookeen CYBPE10W Cybook Opus eBook reader. The usual price range is about $230.00. It comes with an internal storage if 1 GB but also has a micro SD storage slot for more memory. A major convenience is that it is daylight readable with a 600 x 800 dpi screen and a USB port and cable to share files and charge your battery. Available keys include a menu button, a back button, and page foward/backard button. The battery life of the reader claims an 8000 page flip capability – about 2 weeks worth. Finally it comes as a multi-format reader that supports  Adobe sPub/PDF, HTML,TXT, JPG, GIF, and PNG formats.

The least expensive e-reader example is the Aluratek Libre eBook Reader Pro, which can be found for around $150.00. An outstanding feature of this reader is that it comes with a 2GB micro SD card and 100 free ebooks. Another great feature is a built in MP3 player with playback support. The ebook also comes with auto page turn and bookmark function and supports all the usual digital formats such as PDF, TXT, JPG and GIF. The internal battery life boasts 24 hours of continous use with a battery level indicator.

The point of this article was to create a point of reference for those who are thinking about purchasing an ebook reader.  I hope I have accomplished that and happy ebook shopping! If you find this article helpful or informative please leave a comment.

Thanks for reading.

Choosing An Ebook Reader – Why Format Needs To Come First

Buying an ebook reader is very exciting! Finally, you’re going to be able to take your books with you everywhere in a convenient, small device. Before you get started, you do need to pay close attention to what kind of ebook reader you should get. There are different ebook formats out there that are supported by different readers.

Unfortunately, there are some readers that are severely restricted in what formats they will read. The companies that develop the readers often have their own format, which they hope will become the ‘most used.’ If you tend to buy or accumulate ebooks in other formats, you might need to look into a different reader.

The different reader formats include:

Adobe Reader Format (PDF)

If you’ve been on the Internet for any length of time at all, you’ve probably come across ‘PDF’ files. These have become the standard way people pass along or sell information and ebooks. The problem with this file format is it often doesn’t translate well to your reader due to size constraints. Luckily, both popular ebook reader companies, Amazon and Sony, offer ways to convert these files (Amazon’s is more of a ‘beta’ version.)

Mobipocket Format (MOBI)

Another popular format is MOBI. This is more of a standard, and does not limit its own use on devices (though devices can limit it.) MOBI software is a free download on your computer, and is included in the Amazon Kindle. MOBI is not available on Sony readers.

Amazon Kindle Format (AZW)

The Amazon Kindle is an incredible popular device that really set the standard for the others. Amazon is such a leader in this industry that they developed their own reader. This format is not available on other readers, but it works perfectly with the Kindle device if that’s the one you choose to go with. The AZW downloads are priced at $9.99 and under.

Sony Reader Format (LRF)

If you’re going to get a Sony Reader this is the file format you’ll become most familiar with. Sony has closed themselves off to some other formats to funnel the consumer into their store. Take the time to browse through their selection to see if they have the titles you’re interested in as their options are a bit more limited than others.

As you can see, choosing the right ebook reader has lot to do with committing yourself to a favorite file format. As the industry grows it’s likely we’ll see even more standardization in this area. For now, things are a little bit segmented, but you can still find most of the titles you’d want in any of the versions.

Take the time to look through reviews and commentary on the different readers. The chances are good that if people are consistently complaining about file formats on that device, you might want to look into something else. Despite the difficulty of making your decision, you can rest assured that you’re going to get tons of use out of your ebook reader because they are ultra-convenient in any format.

Compare the file formats and the pros and cons of the Kindle vs Sony Reader. These are the two hottest handheld ebook readers available today.