What are E-books?
An e-book is an “electronic book”. These books are called “electronic” because they are files that you access on your computer, mobile phone or tablet. Like a normal paper book they have cover art, an author, editor, illustrator, publisher and story. E-books are available in any genre, any length, and many formats.
How do I read my e-book?
There are a number of choices, depending on the book format you buy.
The “formats” let you know what file type the book has been made in. The most common is “htm” which is opened in your browser (Internet Explorer usually). There are also programs designed specifically for e-books. Two examples:
Microsoft made the Microsoft Reader program, that has “Clear Type Technology” and is supposed to make reading on screen much easier on your eyes.
Adobe Acrobat made PDF-files which are used in most business for documents that you want to look the same no matter what kind of computer opens them.
Do I need special Software to Read an E-Book?
Some books use your normal web browser, but some do require special software, which are usually free to download from the internet.
Do I have to read at the computer?
No, you don’t, there are dedicated e-reading devices such as the Kindle, or of course you can read on your smart phone or tablet.
Why would I Want an E-Book When I Can Read Print?
E-readers are so light and can contain many books.
Hopefully one day school children will have electronic textbooks so they won’t need heavy backpacks that damage their spines. Electronic textbooks are already for sale in America, but are not yet common place in the school system.
Nowadays many university students have to learn with media, for example, e-books.
Also if you are looking for particular text you can search an e-book very quickly using a “find” function, which is much better than skimming through a print book for the item you are looking for.
In some formats, on some reading devices, you can also highlight the text without damaging the file. Unlike a print book and highlighter pen, which is impossible to remove when you are finished with it.