Downloading & reading eBooks:
Q: What is an eBook?
A: An eBook is an electronic edition of a print book. eBooks can be read on PCs (Windows & Linux) and Apple computers (Macintosh), Palms, and PDAs.
Q: Do I need to be on-line in order to read an eBook?
A: No! After buying an eBook, you download it onto your computer. You can read it at any time without being connected to the Internet.
Q: Do I need any special software to read an eBook?
A: Most new home computers, laptops, and PDAs have eBook readers pre-installed.
Q: What if I do not have an ebook reader?
A: If you do not have a pre-installed reader, you must download the have the appropriate reader for the format of the eBook you are buying on your computer prior to purchasing the eBook. We sell Digital Rights Management (DRM) protected eBooks in the following formats: Adobe Reader, Microsoft Reader, and Palm Reader (eReader formatted for Palm OS). Depending on the eBook you want to purchase, you need one of the following eBook reader software. All the downloads are free and from the manufacturer:
Adobe Reader/Adobe Digital Editions: You need Adobe Digital Editions. (Note: If you have Adobe Reader 6.0 or 7.0 on your computer, you can read Adobe Reader eBooks from our store. However, Adobe Reader 6.0 and 7.0 are no longer available from Adobe. Adobe Reader 8.0 and newer versions are not able to read DRM protected Adobe Reader formatted eBooks.) You can download Adobe Digital Editions for free. Simply click on this link Adobe Digital Editions
Microsoft Reader: Please click on this link to download a free copy of Microsoft Reader.
Palm Reader formatted eBooks: Please click on this link to download a free copy
For other Hand Held devices, consult your Owner’s Manual.
Q: Which format should I use?
A: The most suitable eBook format depends on the operating system used by your computer or device. Please see our Format Comparison Chart for a side-by-side comparison.
Q: Where can I learn more about the eBook reader formats?
A: Click thru on the appropriate link: Adobe Digital Editions Microsoft Reader Palm Reader
Q: Will my browser allow downloading of eBooks?
A: Like most commercial websites, eChapterOne.com is optimized for use by Internet Explorer. Users of other browsers may experience difficulty downloading eBooks, in which case we recommend that you switch to Internet Explorer.
Q: How long does it take to download an eBook?
A: Download time is affected by many variables. For example: Your type of connection (DSL is much faster than dial-up); speed of connection (Connection speeds vary from hour to hour, due to many reasons - traffic on the “line”, even weather conditions.); your computer’s available resources (multiple programs operating, downloading other files, etc.); the size and format of the eBook you are downloading; and many other factors. As a general rule, eBooks can be downloaded in seconds to minutes.
Q: Can I download more than one book at a time?
A: Yes, but you may not want to. It’s possible that with a slow Internet connection, your system might slow down to the point where it will timeout. That will result in a download cancellation, and waste your time. For best results, download one book at a time.
Q: Can I print an eBook after I buy it?
A: Depends on the download format and the book. Adobe enables printing. Each publishing house establishes its own policies regarding printing. If the publisher allows printing, you can print the book using Adobe format. The publisher’s policy for each book on eChapterOne.com is shown prior to Check Out.
Q: Can I download an eBook onto my laptop, and then transfer it to my PC?
A: Generally, file transfers are not allowed by publishers because they want to protect their authors’ intellectual property rights. The Digital Rights Management (DRM) software used by eChapterOne precludes file transfers. On rare occasions publishers allow file transfers in exceptional cases. Contact our Customer Service if you need to transfer an eBook file, and we will attempt to obtain the publisher’s permission for a one-time transfer.
Q: Can I transfer an eBook from my PC or laptop to my PDA or Hand Held?
A: Yes! Most eBooks are transferred to PDAs and handheld computers by “synchronizing” them with your computer. Check your PDA or handheld device for synchronizing instructions. As Adobe, Microsoft, and Palm Readers have specific requirements for transfer, see Transfer to PDA & Handheld for specific instructions.
Q: Do you offer a tutorial? I’ve never downloaded an eBook before!
A: Yes! It’s really quite simple; see our fulfillment center’s complete Tutorial.
Q: I received an Error Message! What do I do?
A: See Help eBook.
Q: Where is my downloaded eBook? I bought it, downloaded it, and now can’t find it.
A: Look in your eBook Reader. If your eBook does not appear in the “bookshelf” or “library,” you can use your computer’s Find & Search tool to locate it. Adobe eBooks typically have file names ending with “.pdf”. Microsoft eBooks have file names ending with “.lit”. Palm eBooks have file names ending with “.pdb”.
Adobe Questions
Adobe is the pioneer in PDF documents. Its earlier Editions of its Adobe Reader (6.0 and 7.0) are able to read ebooks, however, those versions have been replaced by 8.0 and 9.0 which cannot read DRM (Digital Rights Management) protected files. DRM allows publishers to protect eBooks from unlawful distribution and to set certain restrictions on content, such as limits on copying and printing. All of our ebooks have DRM protection, therefore to read in the Adobe format we recommend Adobe’s Digital Editions.
Q: What is DRM and what are the requirements for reading DRM eBooks?
A: DRM stands for Digital Rights Management and it refers to some file security measures that are placed on eBooks to protect the copyright holders’ rights and inhibit illegal piracy. All eBooks in our store are DRM protected.
Q: Which version of Adobe Reader should I download and install, the “Full” version or the “Basic” version?
A: The “Full” version includes eBook Support, and is recommended.
Q: What is the difference between Adobe Reader 7.0 and Adobe Digital Editions?
A: Adobe Reader 7.0 was the industry standard for reading any PDF document. Accordingly, it can be used to read eBooks in Adobe Reader format. Adobe Digital Editions is a relatively new, lightweight version that is optimized to provide eBook readers with a more pleasurable reading experience, e.g., pages can be manipulated to suit the reader’s preferences. It also includes an easy-to-use eBook library system.
Q: I have Adobe Reader 8 or 9. Can I use it to read Adobe eBooks?
A: No. Adobe Reader 8 or 9 does not offer stand-alone support for Adobe eBooks. Rather, Adobe Reader 8 or 9 works in conjunction with Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) for the download and use of Adobe eBooks. Adobe Digital Editions includes much of the functionality previously provided by Adobe Reader 6.0 and 7.0 with a simpler, easier to use interface.
[Note: Adobe Reader 6.0 or 7.0 may check for updates and automatically download Adobe Reader 8 or 9 depending on your current settings. Please note that Adobe Reader 6.0 and 7.0 are is no longer available for download from Adobe.
Q: How do I turn off automatic updates in Adobe Reader 6.0 and 7.0?
A: If you are using Adobe Reader 7.0:
Open Adobe Reader 7.
- Select Edit > Preferences.
The 'Preferences' dialog box is displayed.
- Select 'Updates' in the left hand 'Categories' list.
- Select 'Do not automatically check for critical updates' under the 'Update and Notification Check' heading and click 'OK'.
Adobe Reader 8 will not be downloaded automatically.
If you are using Adobe Reader 6…
- Open Adobe Reader 6.
- Select Edit > Preferences.
The 'Preferences' dialog box is displayed.
- Select 'Updates' in the left hand list of categories.
- Select 'Manually' in the 'Check for Updates' drop-down box and click 'OK'.
Adobe Reader 8 will not be downloaded automatically.
Q: What is Adobe Digital Editions software and why does eChapterOne recommend it?
A: Adobe Digital Editions is a free eBook reader used to read DRM-protected PDF files. Adobe Digital Editions extends the eBook capabilities that were integrated in previous versions of Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat, and delivers a simplified, content-centric, user-friendly interface. Adobe Digital Editions works online and offline, and presents the same attractive typeface, images, and page layout provided by Adobe Reader.
Q: What are the features of Adobe Digital Editions?
A: Bookshelves: Access and organize your eBooks using the 'Library' view. Organize your eBook collection using the default bookshelves and create custom bookshelves. Use the thumbnail view to display cover images of your eBooks, or the list view to sort by title, author, date added to the library, date last accessed, publisher, number of pages, or checkout status.
Multimedia Content: Adobe Digital Editions plays video and audio content embedded in eBooks, such as an audio version of music embedded within a book of sheet music or an animated map included in a geography text (with appropriate hardware and software installed).
Simplified Interface: Adobe Digital Editions provides a user-friendly interface that facilitates fast and easy access to your eBooks and bookmarks.
Q: On what platforms do Adobe Digital Editions and Adobe Reader 7.0 run?
A: Adobe Digital Editions and Adobe Reader 7 run on many Windows and some Macintosh computers. Adobe Reader also runs on many Pocket PCs and Palm devices.
Q: What are the system requirements for Adobe Digital Editions for Windows?
A:
- Processor: 500Mhz or faster Intel® Pentium® processor
- Operating Systems:
- Windows Vista (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate Edition)
- Windows XP SP2 (Home, Professional, Tablet PC, or Media Center Edition)
- Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4
- Memory: 128 MB of RAM
- Browser:
- Internet Explorer 6 or 7
- Firefox 2
- Additional Software: Adobe® Flash® Player 7, 8, or 9 (Windows Vista requires Flash 9.0.28)
Q: What are the system requirements for Adobe Digital Editions for Macintosh?
A:
- 500Mhz or faster Intel Pentium processor
- PowerPC® G4 or G5 500MHz processor
- Operating Systems:
- Mac OS X v10.5
- Mac OS X v10.4.10
- Memory: 128 MB of RAM
- Browser:
- Additional Software: Adobe® Flash® Player 8 or 9
Q: How do I activate Adobe Digital Editions?
A: Adobe Digital Editions can be activated anonymously, or by using an Adobe ID. Anonymous activation automatically occurs the first time that you open a DRM-protected Adobe eBook. Anonymous activation allows you to read DRM-protected eBooks on your computer only.
Activating Adobe Digital Editions using an Adobe ID allows you to read DRM-protected eBooks on your computer and prepares your copy of Adobe Digital Editions for the future use of functionality currently unavailable in Adobe Digital Editions, such as transfer to portable devices.
When you first open Adobe Digital Editions 1.5, you are prompted to activate, or authorize, your computer.
To authorize your computer using an Adobe ID…
- Open Adobe Digital Editions.
The 'Setup Assistant' dialog box is displayed.
- Click 'Continue'.
The 'Authorize Computer' screen is displayed.
- In the appropriate fields, enter the email address and password for your Adobe ID.
If you do not already have an Adobe ID, click 'Get an Adobe ID online' and follow the instructions to sign up for an Adobe ID.
- Click 'Activate'.
Your computer is authorized to your Adobe ID.
- Click 'Finish' to close the 'Setup Assistant' dialog box.
If you prefer not to authorize your computer using an Adobe ID…
- Open Adobe Digital Editions.
The 'Setup Assistant' dialog box is displayed.
- Click 'Continue'.
The 'Authorize Computer' screen is displayed.
- Select the 'Don't Authorize Computer' option.
- Click 'Activate'.
- You are prompted to confirm that you do not want to activate your computer at this time. Select 'Continue' to continue without authorizing your computer.
- Click 'Finish' to close the 'Setup Assistant' dialog box.
If you choose not to activate your computer at this time, you may do so later.
To authorize your computer at a later time using an Adobe ID…
- Open Adobe Digital Editions.
- Select Library > Authorize Computer.
The 'Authorize Computer' dialog box is displayed.
- In the appropriate fields, enter the email address and password for your Adobe ID.
If you do not already have an Adobe ID, click 'Get an Adobe ID online' and follow the instructions to sign up for an Adobe ID.
- Click 'Activate'.
Your computer is authorized to your Adobe ID.
- Click 'Finish' to close the 'Setup Assistant' dialog box.
Q: How do I enable JavaScript in My Web Browser (for Adobe Digital Editions only)?
A: The steps you take to enable JavaScript in your web browser depend on which web browser you are using.
If you are using Internet Explorer 7…
- In Internet Explorer 7, select Tools > Internet Options…
The 'Internet Options' window is displayed.
- Click the 'Security' tab.
- Ensure that the 'Internet' zone is highlighted and click the 'Custom Level…' button.
The 'Security Settings - Internet Zone' window is displayed.
- Scroll to the 'Scripting' section. Under 'Active scripting' select 'Enable'.
- Click 'OK' in the 'Security Settings - Internet Zone' window.
- Click 'OK' in the 'Internet Options' window.
- Close and restart Internet Explorer.
If you are using Internet Explorer 6…
- In Internet Explorer 6, select Tools > Internet Options…
The 'Internet Options' window is displayed.
- Click the 'Security' tab.
- Ensure that the 'Internet' zone is highlighted and click the 'Custom Level…' button.
The 'Security Settings' window is displayed.
- Scroll to the 'Scripting' section. Under 'Active scripting' select 'Enable'.
- Click 'OK' in the 'Security Settings' window.
- Click 'OK' in the 'Internet Options' window.
- Close and restart Internet Explorer.
If you are using Firefox 1.5 or 2…
- In Firefox, select Tools > Options…
The 'Options' window is displayed.
- Click the 'Content' icon.
- Check the 'Enable JavaScript' option.
- Click 'OK' in the 'Options' window.
- Close
- and restart Firefox.
If you are using Safari 3…
- In Safari, select Edit > Preferences.
The preferences window is displayed.
- Click the 'Security' icon.
- Check the 'Enable JavaScript' option.
- Close the Preferences window.
- Close and restart Safari.
Reading Devices:
Many of the latest Mobile Devices and Smartphones can be used to read DRM protected eBooks in various formats. Since mobile devices and smart phones are adding/changing features and software almost daily, please refer to the device’s user’s manual to determine which eBook formats are supported by your device. For example, Microsoft Reader software allows you to read encrypted eBooks in the "Secure Microsoft Reader" format on Personal Computers and Pocket PC handheld devices. Many PDAs offer free or inexpensive software upgrades that allow users to read DRM protected Adobe Reader (.pdf) eBooks on their devices.
We recommend that for most devices, you download an eBook to your computer and then transfer it to your device using procedures outlined in the user’s manual.
Q: I’m thinking about buying a Kindle. Can my eChapterOne eBooks be transferred to the Kindle, and can I still buy eBooks at eChapterOne to read on my Kindle?
A: Amazon’s Kindle uses proprietary software. It does not allow you to transfer non-Kindle formatted eBooks that you already own to the Kindle; nor does it allow you to download and read eBooks purchased at eChapterOne on the Kindle.
Q: I am thinking about buying a Sony Reader. Can my eChapterOne eBooks be transferred to the Sony Reader, and can I still buy eBooks at eChapterOne to read on my Sony Reader?
A: Models previous to the PRS-505 Sony Reader Digital Book do not support reading Adobe Reader, Microsoft Reader, or Palm Reader DRM protected eBooks. Transfer of Adobe Reader DRM protected eBooks directly to the Sony Reader PRS-505 is not supported.
Sony released an update for the Sony Reader Digital Book, PRS-505 which allows that device to support the Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 or later and Adobe DRM-protected eBooks. The update enables text within .pdf eBooks to be “reflowed.” This allows users to enlarge the text and improve the readability of text-based .pdf eBooks. Sony PRS-505 users may now purchase eChapterOne Adobe Reader format eBooks from eChapterOne.com and transfer them to their Sony Reader.
You should realize that not all Adobe Reader format (.pdf) eBooks are easily read on a Sony Reader. Specifically, books with charts and/or diagrams may not “reflow” properly and therefore be difficult to read. We recommend you read non-text-only eBooks on your PC, MAC or laptop.
Note: In order to purchase and download our Adobe Reader eBooks for use on a Sony Reader PRS-505, you must install both the utility updates for Sony eBook Library Reader software and the firmware update for the Sony Reader PRS-505 system. You must also install, and be authorized with Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 or later.
To transfer your Adobe Reader eBook to a Sony Reader Library:
- Open Sony Reader Library from your desktop
- Right click on File and Select Import File. This will open a File Import Badge that displays the files located in your Adobe Digital Editions
- Select the file you wish to import into the Sony Ebook Library. Click Open. The file will appear immediately in the Sony Ebook Library
Caution: You must complete the transfer from Adobe Digital Editions into Sony Reader Library before you attempt to load the eBook to the Sony PRS-505.
To transfer your Adobe Reader DRM protected eBook from Sony eBook Library to the Sony PRS-505:
- Connect the PRS-505 to your computer with the USB cable. An Icon will appear in the on the left side of the Sony Reader Library.
- Using your mouse pointer, select the title you wish to transfer. Drag and drop the title onto the Reader Icon in the Menu Bar. Drop the title when a black box appears around the Icon and word Reader.
- Before unplugging the PRS-505 from your computer, Click on the Eject symbol just to the right of the word Reader in the Menu Bar where you placed the title. Failure to follow this step could result in deletion of the title when you disconnect the PRS-505.
- You can now read your Adobe Reader eBook on the Sony Reader Digital Book, PRS-505.
