Choosing Your E-book Compiler
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The article "Choosing Your E-book Compiler" talks about ebooks, it has been released by Bryan Quinn.
This is written for those of you that want an alternative to creating an ebook in PDF format.It is not the purpose of this article to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ebook compilers with products like Adobe Acrobat.
However, before continuing, it is necessary to explain one important difference between them.To do this considers these two definitions.An ebook compiler is a program application that converts a document to an executable (.Exe) file.
The file (or ebook) that is created is a stand-alone file. This simply means that no other program application is requierd to execute (or read) it.Adobe Acrobat is a program application that converts a document to a readable (PDF) file.
The file (or ebook) that is created is not stand-alone. It requries an application like Adobe Reader to open (or read) it.
Now that this is established, we can concentrate on the choice of ebook compiler.Your choice will depend on what format you have wrtiten the content for your ebook. Exmaples are plain text, HTML, MS Word or MS PowerPoint. If you have used HTML to write your content and want to compile an ebook from HTML code, you may need a working knowledge of the HTML language for some of the available compilers.There are many ebook Compliers available yesterday. The choice can be very confusing and it can otfen be difficult to choose one that is right for you. Here are a couple of pointers.Ease of UseIf an not hard to use compiler is your main priority, check that an insturction manual or adequate documentation is included with the compiler. If this is not included, you may find it time consuming to learn how to use the compiler correctly.SecurityIf you wish to sell your ebook, good security features are imoprtant.
As well as bsaic features like protecting your eBook content from modification or limiting a reader’s viewing or disabling printing, you may want to implement other security features.
Passwords, encryption and ebook disabling are only a couple of of the many security features available.FeaturesIt is a good idea to find out what features are supported with the ebook compiler. You may want to add graphics and hyperlinks, customize menus, create forms, add audio and video or perform other fucntions that are important to you. Some compilers offer very sophisticated features and complete plug-in capabilities for flash, java and shockwave.PriceYour chocie of product may depend on what you're prepared to pay.
Although not always the case, you can expcet to pay more for compilers that have more features. If you're not concerned about the cost, bear in mind that more faetures do not necessarily mean a better compiler. You may have no use for many of them or you may feel that some extra features complciate your requirements. For this reason it is better to know what your requirements are befroe making a final choice.RequirementsGive some thought to your requirements.
If you're considering an HTML based compiler, find out if it requries a browser to function.
If it does, check to see what browser versoins are supported. You may need to check your browser settings and configure your browser according to the compiler specifications.Whether you intend to sell your ebook or distribtue it freely, security is of major concern. This is after all the main reason for using a compiler. Your choice of compiler should offer at least the level of security that matches your requirements.
All compilers have bsaic security features but some have features that go beyond most peoples needs.
How secure you make your eobok is your choice.Ensure that the compiler you choose is compatible with your operating system. For example some older compilers do not function with Micrsooft XP service pack 2 (SP2) without a program patch.SupportGood support for your chosen ebook compiler could be critical to your success. Check the condiitons of any support that is offered. Find out if there is a service level agreement for the copmiler program or if there is grace period for free technical support.Check how long the compiler has been on the market. Although not always the case, generally the older compliers are more likely to be bug free. It is also worth searching for testimonials if the compiler has been around for a while.Finally, download a demo of the compiler if possible before you buy it.Bryan Quinn is an IT consultant and webmaster of ebook-site.Com
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Choosing Your E-book Compiler
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