Ebooks are, according to Wikipedia the free online encyclopedia . . .
"An ebook is an electronic (or digital) version of a book. The term is used ambiguously to refer to either an individual work in a digital format, or a hardware device used to read books in digital format. Some users deprecate the second meaning in favour of the more precise "ebook device."
Ebooks have certain abilities and qualities that other mediums do not possess. For example, ebooks are extremely easy to produce, and their production cost is inexpensive. Just think about it: You don't need a publisher, an agent, a printing press, offset film, ink, paper, or even a distributor. You just need a good concept, the ability to write it or to hire a writer, and the right software.
The Formats Available
There are many formats available for ebooks however I am going to concentrate on the main ones you'll find.
PDF - Portable Document Format
A file format created by Adobe Systems, initially to provide a standard form for storing and editing printed publishable documents. Because documents in .pdf format can easily be seen and printed by users on a variety of computer and platform types, they are very common on the World Wide Web.
EXE - ExeBook
Published as an .exe. ExeBook is a compiler that produces an ebook file that, when executed, produces a simulated book onscreen, complete with page texture. The etext is encrypted as graphic images so that automatic text copying is very difficult. The fear of exe files picking up viruses, however, is hampering its acceptance.
DOC - Word Document
This is Microsoft Word's format. It can be opened by Word, Wordpad and Notepad (you may not view any images in the last two though). Can also be opened using programs like OpenOffice.
TXT - A simple text file format
Use Wordpad or Notepad or any simple text editor to read.
SWF - Shockwave Flash File
These files require the MACROMEDIA FLASH Player to be installed on your computer. You can download it FREE from macromedia.com.
Hyper Text Markup Language - Commonly known as HTML
HTML is the markup language used for most web pages. eBooks using HTML can be read using a standard browser (e.g., Mozilla, Firefox, or Microsoft Internet Explorer), with no need for special equipment.
DesktopAuthor - Published as an .exe and .dnl
DesktopAuthor is an electronic publishing suite that allows creation of digital web books with virtual turning pages. Digital web books of any epublication type can be written in this format, including ebrochures, ebooks, digital photo albums, ecards, digital diaries, online resumes, quizzes, exams, tests, forms and surveys. DesktopAuthor packages the ebook into a ".dnl" or ".exe" book. Each can be a single, plain stand-alone executable file which does not require any other programs to view it. DNL files can be viewed inside a web browser or stand-alone via the DNL Reader.
Richard Fenn
Ebay Powerseller
http://www.justfornewbies.co.uk |
