10 Things You Wish You Knew About eBooks {especially for those who don’t know how to use one}

It is amazing how many women don’t know what to do with an eBook!

Even those who are fairly well skilled at using a computer or an iPhone find themselves fumbling with modern-day reading technology. But it doesn’t have to stay that way a day longer.

Learning how to use an eBook has the potential to save you precious space in your home and dollars in your bank account.

Here’s what you need to know about eBooks, so that you can make the best decision for yourself:

1. What is an eBook?

The name, “eBook” stands for electronic book. An eBook typically comes with all the same features of a regular book, such as a Table of Contents (TOC), chapters, and occasionally an index, as well as additional features, such as hyperlinks (links that you can click on to visit websites) and multimedia (such as video or music), depending upon the capability of your device.

2. What exactly do I need to read an eBook?

eBook files are formatted in a number of ways and can be read on a variety of devices. The most common eBook readers are Kindle (sold by Amazon), iPad or iPhone (sold by Apple), and Nook (sold by Barnes & Noble). However, you can also read most eBooks on your computer.

3. How do I know what type of eBook file to purchase and/or where I should purchase an eBook?

The type of file you purchase, and the where you purchase the file from, is typically associated with the device you will read your eBook on:

If you have a Kindle, you’ll likely buy an eBook from Amazon, as the file will be delivered straight to your Kindle.
If you have an iPad or iPhone, you have multiple options for purchasing an eBook:
Option 1: You can purchase an eBook from iTunes, which is known as an iBook file. This will be read in your iBooks App.
Option 2: You can also purchase a PDF file, which you can open in your iBooks App.
Option 3: You can download the Kindle App to each device, purchase a Kindle eBook from Amazon, and be able to read the eBook on both devices, with the file syncing between your iPad and your iPhone (if you have both).
Option 4: You can download the Nook App to your devices and purchase your eBook from Barnes & Noble.
If you have a Nook, you’ll likely buy an eBook from Barnes & Noble.
If you only have a computer, you can purchase a PDF and open it in a free program that you can download, Adobe Reader, or you can see if the seller offers an App to read the eBook file on your computer.

4. What can I do with eBook if I don’t have a device?

If you don’t have a device, such as a Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Nook, you can still read an eBook file on your computer (see previous question), and other eReaders available on the market.

5. How do I purchase an eBook?

An eBook is purchased online through a website, such as Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, CBD, or an author’s website. If you are purchasing from the place where you also received your device (such as buying a Kindle eBook from Amazon), the file will likely download straight to your device. If you are buying the eBook from the author’s website or from a third-party company, you will likely receive a link to the file, typically via email, which you will have to click on to upload the file to your device or to read it on your computer.

6. But what if I like to underline and take notes?

Most eBook devices and applications allow you to highlight, bookmark, and take notes.

7. Can I print an eBook?

Typically, most eBooks purchased from a bookseller, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, are not designed to be printed. If a PDF file is available from an author’s website, it is likely that the file will be printable. It is always a good idea to verify this option with the seller before purchasing the file.

8. Can I share my eBook file with others?

Most eBook files are designed to be used by only the purchaser. Out of respect for the author’s investment of time in creating the work, sharing eBooks is highly discouraged and sometimes prohibited by the digital file.

9. What are the benefits of using an eBook instead of a traditional print book?

eBooks offer many advantages to the consumer, some of which are quite obvious and others are a bit of a surprise:

saving shelf space and minimizing storage needs
preserving the environment
if using iBooks or Kindle App on Apple devices, an eBook can be synced, which means you can read it on your iPad (while on the treadmill or snuggled up on the couch) and pick up where you left off on your iPhone (while waiting in the doctor’s office or at the bus stop)
content is searchable by key word
depending on the device, you can copy a sentence or section to share in an email, on Facebook, or Twitter
some readers include dictionary look up for words
eBooks tend to be much less expensive than print books
eBooks often go on sale and are sometimes available for free

10. How can I use an eBook in a small group setting?

Using an eBook in a small group setting is definitely possible, if the eBook file is available as a PDF with permission to print the file. For those participants who don’t have a digital device, they can purchase the PDF file, print it, and put it in a binder. For those who do have a device, they can purchase the file of their choice to use on their device.

Using eBook technology isn’t as hard as it seems. While it may feel like foreign territory, in time you’ll find the convenience, financial savings, and features of using eBooks a real treat.