by:
www.profit.ne1.net
What is an eBook compiler?
You've written and revised your ebook, hired an artist who has
produced outstanding graphics, and now you're ready to actually put
together your ebook. What you need to make an ebook is software called
an ebook Compiler.
There are many different compilers to chose from, but first, you need
to know exactly what an ebook Compiler does. Here is the simple
explanation:
An ebook compiler is a software program that converts either text
pages or HTML text into a single executable file or an ebook.
If you or someone you hired has created a file with graphics in HTML,
you will need an HTML ebook Compiler. This type of compiler requires a
working knowledge of the HTML tag language. You can also use software
to do this for you, such as Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia
Dreamweaver.
How do you choose an eBook Compiler?
There are a large number of ebook Compilers available on the market,
all with glowing sales copy and tekkie language. It can get very
confusing and overwhelming very fast without some simple guidelines to
help you figure out which compiler is right for you.
Choosing an ebook Compiler depends on a number of factors:
1. How did you create your pages? Did you use HTML or PDF format?
There are many more compilers available for HTML, but you can find
some very good compilers that will covert your PDF files into an ebook.
2. Consider how easy the program is to use and the thoroughness of the
software's instruction manual. It is absolutely necessary that the
compiler you buy have an instructional manual, documentation, or
online "wizards." If it doesn't, your chances of figuring out how to
correctly use the program are compromised, and the time required doing
so is going to be significant. Many manufacturers of compilers offer a
free trial version so you can play around with it and see if it suits
your needs. Download the trial version and ascertain that it actually
does what it claims to do.
3. Security features. If you plan to sell your ebook, check out the
security features of the compiler software carefully. Security
features should include: prevention of the reader from modifying text,
access only to the pages you assign or by entering a password,
different ways of generating passwords such as secure passwords,
user-friendly, and open passwords.
4. Supported scripting. Find out what scripts the software supports.
Scripting allows you to create special effects, customize menus, and
create and modify other user interactivity. Choose a compiler that
permits you to include graphics, search windows, hyperlinks, forms,
surveys, etc.
5. Pricing. This is a factor that is not always easy to gauge. The
highest priced compilers are not automatically your best choice.
Choose your compiler based on the necessary requirements for your
Ebook. That means you need to know exactly how you plan to use your
Ebook and what functions you require.
Let's look at some of these factors in more detail. First of all, make
sure you have the correct browser to run the compiler. The majority of
HTML compilers use Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape. Check out
the version that the compiler supports. Compilers that require a
browser will not run on a computer that does not have the required
browser installed. However, there are ebook HTML compilers that don't
require you to have any browser installed on your computer. These
compilers run on any Windows system.
If you choose a compiler that requires a browser, check to ascertain
that the browser is installed correctly and that it is properly
configured to the specifications of the compiler. Check to see if
certain functions are turned off or on, and make any adjustments
according to the compiler instructions.
Security is an essential element of any compiler, regardless of
whether you plan to sell or give away your ebook. One of the main
reasons for using a compiler is to prevent the reader from modifying
the contents. A secure compiler allows access only to the pages you
want the user to access unless they enter a correct password.
To find out how secure an ebook HTML compiler is, open an ebook on it.
While it is open, check the temporary directory of your computer. This
can usually be accessed by typing in C:\Windows\temp. If you see a
bunch of files when your ebook is open or running, it means that your
computer is decompressing the secure data from your ebook before
showing the ebook to the viewer. This method is not secure! It means
that anyone with the knowledge of how to access these temporary files
can steal the secure data and then they can fiddle with your ebook to
their evil heart's desire. Remember, one of the main purposes of
buying and using an HTML compiler is to protect your property.
Next, let's discuss passwords. When trying to choose an ebook
Compiler, check out the type of passwords that the compiler supports.
Almost all compilers offer some kind of password protection that
insures that the user can only access the contents they have purchased
from you. However, the best compilers offer varied ways to generate
different types of passwords. Choose a compiler that gives you the
options of secure, user-friendly, and open password generation.
Another important factor when it comes to passwords is how the
compiler generates them. A compiler that has internal password
protection generation built into the software is more secure than
compilers that link to live Internet password control systems.
Find out if the compiler generates passwords online. If it has this
option, it allows you to choose any payment processing system you want
or to do the payment processing yourself.
Next, look into the size of ebook the compiler supports. The best
compilers can create ebooks up to 2 GB in size without decompressing
the HTML pages or images to your hard disk. Usually, ebooks that are 2
GB in size can easily support 6 GB of compressed data. The catch here
is that only text files will generally be compressible.
You do not want a compiler that decompresses this amount of data when
the user attempts to open your ebook. This would mean that anyone who
purchases your ebook will have to wait for all the data to decompress
before they can access your ebook right after downloading it. So look
for compilers that only decompress temporarily files that are NOT HTML
to the local hardisk. Non-HTML files include Flash, Word, and Acrobat
files. This type of compiler is more secure and certainly faster.
Make sure the compiler you choose is compatible with your system
software. Check out what version of Windows it requires, and make sure
you have that version before buying your compiler.
Support issues are extremely important. Choose a compiler that
includes an installation program. This program allows your user to
choose a number of different places on their computer to install the
ebook, to place a shortcut on their desktop, and to add the ebook, if
they choose, to the Start Programs menu.
You also want excellent and accessible vendor support. Make sure you
can access quick technical support! At three o'clock in the morning,
this factor will be VERY important. Also, check to see the terms of
free technical support offered. Unlimited technical support is
obviously the best option.
Check to see if the company that puts out the compiler software offers
a service level agreement. This agreement is to assure you of their
quality response to your questions or problems.
A good thing to consider is how long the compiler has been on the
market. Usually, the version number will give you an idea. The longer
the program is on the market, the higher the version number, the more
bugs have been worked out.
When choosing an ebook compiler, do not be swayed by incredible
promises and dazzling sales copy. Do your homework first, and then
consider all the above issues and factors before choosing an ebook
compiler.
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