What is an ebook?
The term eBook has several definitions. In many cases, an eBook is an electronic version of a previously published and printed book. Usually one can download an eBook using free programs like Adobe Reader. Or one can purchase a CD or DVD copy to be downloaded. The book can then be read off a computer screen, a laptop, eBook readers, or palm pilots and organizers. Some computers offer programs to make reading eBooks more like reading a book. They feature the ability to “turn pages,” as one would with a regular book. Not all eBooks are free. Some libraries, particularly college libraries, offer free access to numerous texts. In general, contemporary popular novels or popular works of non-fiction need to be purchased, and are widely available from companies like Amazon.com. eBooks are also not necessarily in the public domain. One may gain access to reading them, but must still use citation methods if quoting them, or may need to ask the author if the book can be cited or reproduced. Some
Simply put, an eBook is a special computer file, which contains the text of a printed book. The file may be read on a personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), or an electronic device designed specifically for reading eBooks (eBook reader). eBook readers have many features that are simply not available with standard printed text.
Our (and the industry standard) definition of an eBook is a PDF file. PDFs (Portable Document Format) are print ready, platform independent files that can be viewed using a free reader provided by Adobe. Some people provide .EXE files and call them eBooks but these files can (and often do) contain malicious code (Adware, Spyware, Viruses) that can affect your computer system. PDF is the safest format for eBooks and I’d be wary of opening anything other than a .PDF unless you know the people providing it very well. It’s very unlikely that your computer won’t have software already installed that can read PDF files but if you’re having trouble viewing your eBook you should install the latest FREE reader file here… http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html Finally – here are some reasons why smart people love eBooks…
