What is an eBook & how do I read it?
What is an eBook?
An eBook is just like a regular book, except you can read it on your computer, tablet (like an iPad, for example), or your phone. They are typically in electronic format, such as PDF.
How do I read it?
There are many different devices you can use to read your eBook. We have put together a list of the most common ones we could think of. Please let us know if you have any other suggestions.
Computer
This is probably the most common way to read eBooks currently, but also fast becoming the least convenient for many. In order to read an eBook on your computer, you may need to download and install a free program called Adobe Reader. Once you have Adobe Reader installed, simply open up the PDF ebook you downloaded and enjoy your reading. If you want to take it with you on the go, there are also some other options.
Paper
After you have opened up the eBook on your computer you can easily print it out to take with you on the road, read in your bed at night, or to write notes and ideas in the margins from all the great insight and ideas the eBook gives you. Once you are done reading your eBook, you can put it on a shelf for later reading, or recycle it to make the world a better place.
Smart Phone
As smart phones grow in popularity, they are also becoming a prime choice for reading eBooks. Many smart phones can either read PDF files by default, or have free and paid applications that can easily add the feature is desired. Smart phones are small and light and backlit for easy reading in low light.
Tablet
Another eBook reading device that is growing in popularity is the tablet. The iPad and portable devices similar to it allow users to read eBooks on a beautiful full color backlit display
eReader
eReaders, which are sometimes also refereed to as eBooks(confusing isn’t it?) are another way you can read your eBook. eReaders usually use a special kind of display that imitates the look and readability of the pages of a book and can be read easily in bright conditions as they have an anti-glare coating, but can require a book light in darker reading conditions just like a book. eReader batteries usually far outlast those of other eBook display devices as they use very little power to display your reading material. One of the most popular eReaders on the market is the Amazon Kindle.
Taking it Further
Many modern devices are starting to enable text to speech. This is a technology that allows the device to digitally read text in a document to the user. This can allow you to read eBooks faster, or you can look at something else while the eBook is read to you by your device. Many computers have this ability as well as some smart phones. Check your devices’ manual or try the old google search to see if your device has these capabilities. Some search words to look for are assisted devices and/or text to speech.