EBooks

Sherri Shaner

SLM521 – MC

Fall 2003

In today’s fast-paced world, who has time to go to the bookstore or the library to obtain paper copies of books? Well, there is a solution, eBooks! EBooks can be checked out online or purchased online and downloaded to a PC, Mac, or PDA leaving more time to enjoy your book. There are several different reader programs used to view the files, however, Microsoft Reader 2.0 and Adobe 6.0 are two of the most popular readers. Both readers are available in limited versions via the internet for free. Each reader consumes approximately 15-20 MB of hard drive space taking little additional space to store eBooks, which are automatically stored in a handy folder in “MY Documents”. In addition, each reader allows the user to change the display of the tools and to use such tools as note taking, book marking and highlighting. There are also differences between the two readers.

Adobe 6.0 is a general Adobe Acrobat Program. Adobe Software used to market a separate eBook program, however the creation of Adobe Acrobat 6.0 has merged the PDF program and the eBook program. The Adobe program offers a choice of page display and cool type fonts, which are best viewed on an LCD screen. Adobe supports both WIN and Mac Operating Systems and allows libraries to distribute books via a secure network at no additional cost. Adobe eBook reader does have some downsides. The software requires an expensive additional program in order for the user to create their own eBooks and the Adobe program offers no text-to-speech option.

Unlike its Adobe Reader counterpart, the Microsoft Reader does allow users to create their own eBooks after downloading a free program from the internet. Users of the Microsoft program are also able to download a free text-to-speech reader. The Microsoft program also offers simple changeable fonts that can be viewed on any screen. You might ask, what are the downfalls of the Microsoft program? I only found a couple. The Microsoft program does not support the Mac Operating System. It also does not allow the user to print the eBook.

In my opinion, the Microsoft Reader is a better program and easier to use. I liked the option of the text-to-speech software and the display of the Microsoft program is more pleasing to the eye and less cluttered. The Microsoft Reader is also available in French, German, Italian, and Spanish.