EBooks - What is an eBook?

Definition: An eBook is an online version of a book. Usually much shorter in the number of pages when compared to a traditional printed and bound book, eBooks are still useful as they can contain bookmarks that make it easy to jump to specific sections, they may contain colorful illustrations, they can contain active links to websites and you can print only the pages you want.

Since eBooks can be published for a fraction of the cost of publishing a traditional book they are typically far less expensive to buy than a bound book. In many cases, eBooks are offered free as a form of business promotion.

Most eBooks that are available on websites are published in PDF format. PDF format is very popular because Adobe Reader and other software that provides the ability to open PDF documents is now typically included on every computer sold and PDF's can easily be read on both Windows PCs and Macs. PDF eBooks therefore make it easy to open and read the material without needing to download any software or have any special hardware, such as an eBook reader.

Many readers find eBooks to be more convenient than bound books, especially for information that changes frequently. The time to publish eBooks can be as little as a few minutes once the content is properly formatted. Therefore, eBook publishers can distribute updated versions easily and inexpensively.

What is An eBook and Why Would You Want One?

An eBook is an electronic book, one you read digitally on your computer, laptop screen or on devices called eBook readers. 

You will find them in various formats and until the industry has a standard accessible in all devices these various formats will exist.

PDF format is a popular format for eBooks. All platforms are able to gain access and read PDF formatting. So regardless if you have a PC or Mac, you are in business! PDF requires the Acrobat Reader but this software comes on many new computers and if not included, it's a free downloaded from Adobe http://www.adobe.com.  There are still many who prefer printing out the pages of an eBook to read and PDF files have always been good for this purpose. Visit the IRS online and you will see every tax form they have available on PDF to print, fill out and send.

Other popular formats include:
HTML (which can be read on your computer screen, laptop or converted to read on the previously manufactured Nuvomedia Rocket eBook reader)
Microsoft LIT (requires the free Microsoft Reader installed on your computer, laptop or Pocket PC 2002 device)
PalmOS
Hiebook - KML - For the newest eBook reader available. This unit is manufactured in Korea and there is limited distribution in the US and Canada