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eBook Basics
What is an eBook?
An ebook is an electronic file which has been preformatted for viewing on a computer screen. eBooks can be short stories, novels, non-fiction, children's stories, manuals, travel guides etc.
What makes them different from other types of computer files is that they can only be opened in a designated type of software (reader) and are usually protected from being freely distributed (copy-protected).
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What are the advantages of eBooks?
eBooks have several advantages over printed books:
- You can conveniently buy e-books from your computer or reading devices while at home, work, or on the go.
- Text or words can be searched, cross-referenced or looked up in a dictionary.
- Because e-books are compact electronic files, hundreds of books can be stored in the memory of your computer or reading device.
- E-books can be stored on several computers or portable devices, making them accessible from multiple places.
- If you lose an e-book, you can easily replace it by re-downloading the title (up to the number of allowable times).
- Readers who have difficulty reading printed books can benefit from the adjustment of text size and font.
- Most e-book reading devices allow reading in low light -- even total darkness -- with an included backlight.
- Although electricity is required for reading, e-books are not made of paper or ink, making them considerably greener than the print alternatives.
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What types of eBooks are available?
There are many available formats for ebooks and each format requires special software for viewing them. Each ebook reader software has different advantages and limitations, and ebooks may be available in multiple formats.
The eBook formats we support are Adobe, Microsoft and Palm. The ebook reader software you have installed on your computer will determine which ebook formats you purchase. Or conversely, the type of ebook you have purchased will determine which ebook reader software you must install on your computer.
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Do I need a computer to read an eBook?
All ebooks must be opened and read with the software for which they were designed. In other words, an Adobe ebook must be opened with Adobe Reader software, a Microsoft ebook must be opened with Microsoft Reader software, and a Palm ebook must be opened with the Palm Reader software.
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How do I buy an eBook?
You can buy an eBook just the same way as any other book. Since eBooks are to be downloaded, there is no shipping address or shipping fee. Credit card and gift cards are the only
2 allowed payment methods. In most cases, the eBook order is processed immediately and you will receive a confirmation email. In rare cases,
it could take a couple of days to process your order. You will be notified by email as soon as the order
has been processed.
Before purchasing your e-book, you need to have an e-book reader software installed on your computer.
Please review the e-Book Reader Compatibility Chart to find out which e-book reader software is compatible with your computer or other reading device.
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How do I download an eBook?
In most cases the eBook order is processed immediately and the eBook is available for immediate download. For security reasons the download URL for the Ebook is not emailed to you.
The eBook download URL can be retrieved by logging into 'My Account'. After logging in, click on the order number for the eBook order and then the eBook title. In rare cases,
it could take a couple of days to process your order. You will be notified by email as soon as the order has been processed and you can follow the steps mentioned above.
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How are eBooks protected?
Publishers or authors of ebooks decide whether they will allow their ebook to be:
- freely distributed (meaning anyone can copy it and read it) or
- encrypted for only one person to read
Depending on the type of ebook software, the ebook file is either encrypted to a specific computer or device (meaning it can only be read on that computer or device) or it is encrypted to a specific user's account (meaning it can be read on any device or computer which contains that user's secret account information).
If an ebook has been protected for only one person to read, then consumers download the file to their computer and must read the ebook on that computer (or on other devices containing their secret account information). Copies of the ebook can only be read on authorized computers or by authorized users.
If a publisher/author has decided not to copy-protect their ebook, then consumers download the file to their computer and can then copy it to any other computer/device they choose. The ebook may be read on any supported computer and by any user.
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Can I print an eBook?
The answer is usually no. However, Some ebook formats (currently Adobe) allow consumers to print their ebook if the publisher/author chooses to allow this.
In many cases, the printing of an ebook is restricted to only a few pages at a time.
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Can old eBooks be transfered to new computers?
The process of transferring your e-books to a new computer varies depending on the e-book reader software and the level of copyright protection that each e-book contains.
Please visit the following FAQ / Support section of each e-book reader software for more information.
If you are still experiencing difficulties in the transfer process, please contact staff@bookweb.org
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Browser, OS/computer compatibility
For Browser/OS/Handheld device compatibility, please visit the following link:
Compatibility Chart
For detailed system requirements, please visit the following links:
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Important information to know before buying your ebook
- Gift cards cannot be used to purchase Palm ebooks. A credit card must be used.
- Gift cards may be used for Adobe and Microsoft formats.
- Confirm that you have the correct eBook Reader installed and activated.
- Refer the compatibility information for the eBook Reader software you are using. This lists supported browsers, operating systems and computing devices for each eBook Reader.
- Download only one eBook at a time to prevent your system from slowing down or timing out (resulting in download cancellation).
- eBooks are non-returnable and non-refundable.
- eBooks should be downloaded within 30 days from the date of processing the order.
- Each eBook can be downloaded only 4 times.
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