A Basic Beginner's Guide to eBooks

eBooks are books in digital format that can be read on your computer, eReader device, mobile phone, or tablet. eBooks have been around for over ten years but have recently become more popular with the introduction of new devices like the Amazon Kindle. This article will give you a basic overview of what you need to know to get started with eBooks.

eBook Formats

eBooks come in different formats. You can think of each format like a "variety" or "flavor" of eBook. The eBook format you need depends on where you plan to read the eBook -- your computer, mobile phone, eReader, etc. Each eBook format is made to be read with certain software or on certain hardware. Just like a .doc file will only open in Microsoft Word, a specific eBook file will only open in the software it was created for.

Reading On Your Computer

If you have a Windows computer, you can read virtually any eBook format. When you find an eBook that you want to buy or download for free, the website that sells/offers the eBook will tell you which software program is required to open the eBook.

Reading On Your eReader

There are many different eReader devices available now. If you have a Kindle, you will have to buy all of your eBooks from Amazon.com. If you have an eReader like the Barnes & Noble Nook, Cybook, BeBook, or Sony Reader, you can get eBooks from the company that sells the device or from most independent eBook stores. It is very important that you research which eBook formats will work on your particular device. You can find this information on the website where you bought the eReader or in your manual. If you have a cheaper "knock-off" eReader, you might not be able to easily find eBooks for it because those knock-offs usually aren't supported by common eBook software.

Reading on a Mobile Phone or Tablet

If you have a smartphone such as the iPhone or an Android phone, you can read eBooks with an eBook app. You can read Android eBooks with a program like Aldiko, for example. Android-based tablets (such as the Samsung Galaxy or Motorola Xoom) can also read eBooks on the same app. If you have and iPhone or iPad, you can read iPad eBooks with Apple's native app iBooks or others like Bluefire Reader. Just be sure that you get the appropriate eBook format for these apps. Usually the Adobe format will work.

DRM Considerations

DRM stands for Digital Rights Management. This is software security that book publishers require for their eBook downloads. It prevents the user from emailing a copy of the eBook to other people, and it also allows you to use the eBook on more than one device that you own. Most of the time when DRM is present you'll be asked to sign into a specific account and register your eBook to that account. If you're presented with instructions that tell you to do this, do not attempt to skip over this process. If you skip it, you'll have trouble re-downloading the eBook later, or putting it onto another computer/device.

Summary

eBooks are a fun way to read your favorite books. Whether you like to read eBooks on your computer, eReader, phone, or tablet, the most important things to remember are to find the correct eBook format for your device, and to follow all instructions given for any necessary software. Happy reading!

About the Author:

Michael Riley is an IT professional specializing in the field of ebooks, ebook readers, SEO, and related technology. He has been working in the field for over 10 years and is fascinated by the intersection of the written word with gadgets and online media.