=================================================== 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 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 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 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 program is to use and thoroughness of software's instruction manual. It is absolutely necessary that compiler you buy have an instructional manual, documentation, or online "wizards." If it doesn't, your chances of figuring out how to correctly use program are compromised, and 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 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 security features of compiler software carefully. Security features should include: prevention of reader from modifying text, access only to 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 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 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 correct browser to run compiler. The majority of HTML compilers use Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape. Check out version that compiler supports. Compilers that require a browser will not run on a computer that does not have 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 browser is installed correctly and that it is properly configured to specifications of compiler. Check to see if certain functions are turned off or on, and make any adjustments according to compiler instructions.
Security is an essential element of any compiler, regardless of whether you plan to sell or give away your ebook. One of main reasons for using a compiler is to prevent reader from modifying contents. A secure compiler allows access only to pages you want user to access unless they enter a correct password.