What Are Ebooks?
Ebooks (Electronic Books) are similar to regular books, except that they are a digital "computer" file instead of print. This means you can read them on your computer, an Ebook reader (e-reader), or even print them out.
Ebooks are not limited in the same ways as the more traditional book. As well as being much easier to carry (you can fit ten or more in your pocket-sized e-reader), you can also customise the font size to suit your eyesight.
Ebooks have all the traditional genres plus many more. You can buy the regular full length novels of fiction or non-fiction, children's illustrated books, novellas, anthologies and poetry. Ebooks also specialise in crossing genres - you can buy a romance/suspense/vampire/sci-fi if that is your interest!
If you MUST read from a print book (perhaps you love collecting them and arranging them in bookshelves) that is not an obstacle. Most electronic books are also available in print.
Why Ebooks Are Better Than Traditional Print
- Variety: Not restricted to genres that are easily categorised for marketing.
- Long Shelf-Life: There is no need remove older books to make way for new releases, ebooks can remain for sale for the next 20 years!
- Customisation: You can change the way your ebook looks, making your own large print version at the touch of a button.
- Hyperlinks: Many electronic books contain hyperlinks, which can move you easily around the book, or even take you to additional information on the internet.
- Audio: If you have trouble reading, or are just too busy to stop for long enough to read a book, ebooks can come in Audible format. Making it possible for your ebook reader to read the book to you.
- Animations: You aren't limited to a still picture - ebooks can have animated graphics or even video.
- Convenience: You don't even have to leave the house! You can complete the entire purchase from your home computer.
More About E-Readers
E-Readers are electronic gadgets, a lot like a small computer, that you can load your book into and read anywhere. Most of them are very small, so they are light and easy to fit into a purse or briefcase.
E-readers have enough memory to store multiple books, so you can have ten or more books available for long waits. This many in print would be heavy and awkward to carry but not with electronic books!
Never dread public transport or waiting rooms again, just whip out your current book and read the wait away!
E-readers generally have backlighting so you can read at night without disturbing anyone.
Most e-Readers are not just limited to books, they also have: address books, To-Do Lists, games, music players and many other functions!
E-readers can be purchased from Dick Smith, Harvey Norman, some Telstra shops and many computer or electronic shops!
Buying Online
Purchasing books online using your credit card is now very safe, with checks and safeguards to keep your private details safe and secure!
The majority of epublishers accept most major credit cards, but you can also use online payment companies like Paypal. These companies allow you to send money to anyone with an email address. And you only have to give your credit details to them when you sign up, you don't need to give it out to every retailer you buy from!
Ebook Formats
There is no need to buy expensive programs to read ebooks, you can buy versions that open in your regular Word Processing program (eg Microsoft Office), your browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape) or using the free programs Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Reader. Remember e-readers are not mandatory, they are just an added tool if you wish to read away from your computer.
