=================================================== Choosing an
eBook Compiler
===================================================
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
emp. 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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