Choosing an eBook Compiler
BY KAREN MARTIN
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 techie 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 convert 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 instruction 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 hearts'
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 hard disk. 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.
Karen Martin is the Sub-Editor
of 'The Internet Affiliates Resources Directory' where
subscribers have the opportunity to have their Affiliate
programs promoted absolutely free and on a permanent basis.
Email to get the details & free sample subscription.
ED. NOTE: Check out the
Wordpreneur Shop for eBook Compiler software!
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