There are many different compilers to choose from, but first you need to know exactly what an e-book compiler does. Here is a simple explanation:
An e-Book compiler is a software program that converts text pages or HTML text into a single executable file or e-Book.
If you or someone you hired created a graphic file in HTML, you'll need an HTML e-book Compiler. This type of compiler requires a working knowledge of the HTML markup language. You can also use software such as Microsoft Front Page or Macro media Dreamweaver to do this.
How do you choose an e-Book compiler?
There are a many of e-book compilers available in the market, all with shiny sales print and Trekkie language. Without some simple guidelines to help you figure out which compiler is right for you, it can be very confusing and overwhelming.
Choosing an e-Book compiler depends on a number of factors:
1. How did you create your site? Did you use HTML or PDF? There are many other compilers available for HTML, but you can find some very good compilers that will overlay your PDF files into an e-Book.
2. Consider how easy the program is to use and how thorough the software's user manual is. It is absolutely essential that the compiler you buy has a manual, documentation or online "guide". If not, your chances of learning how to use the program properly are compromised and the time required to do so will be considerable. Many compiler manufacturers offer a free trial version 'so' you can play around with it and see if it suits your needs. Download the trial version and make sure it really does what it claims.
3. Safety features. If you plan to sell your e-book, carefully review the security features of the compiler software. Security features should include: preventing the reader from editing the text, access only to pages you assign or by entering a password, different password generation methods 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 allows you to include graphics, search windows, hyperlinks, forms, surveys, etc.
5. Prices. This is a factor that is not always easy to measure. The most expensive compilers are not automatically your best choice. Choose a compiler based on the essential requirements for your e-book. This means you need to know exactly how you plan to use your e-book and what features you require.
Let's look at some of these factors in more detail.
First, make sure you have the correct browser to run the compiler. Most HTML compilers use Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape. Check 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 HTML e-book compilers that do not 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 that the browser is properly installed and configured correctly according to the compiler's specifications. Check to see if any features are off or on, and make any adjustments as directed by the compiler.
Security is an essential element of any compiler, regardless of whether you plan to sell or donate your e-book. One of the main reasons for using a compiler is to prevent the reader from editing the content. The secure compiler only allows access to the pages you want the user to access unless they enter the correct password.
To see how secure an HTML e-book compiler is, open an e-book on it. While it's open, check your computer's temporary directory. This can usually be obtained by typing C:Windows temp. If you see a lot of files when an e-book is open or running, it means that your computer is decompressing the secure data from the e-book before displaying the e-book to the user. This method is not safe! This means that anyone who knows how to access these temporary files can steal your secure data and then mess with your e-book to their evil heart's desire. Remember that one of the main purposes of purchasing and using an HTML compiler is to protect your assets.
Next, we'll discuss passwords. When trying to choose an e-Book compiler, check the type of passwords the compiler supports. Almost all compilers offer some sort of password protection to ensure that the user can only access the content they have purchased from you. However, the best compilers offer different ways of generating different types of passwords. Choose a compiler that gives you secure, user-friendly, and open password generation options.
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 interface with live Internet password checking systems.
Find out if the compiler generates passwords online.
If it has this option, it allows you to choose any payment processing system or do the payment processing yourself.
Next, check the size of the e-book that the compiler supports. The best compilers can create e-Books up to 2 GB in size without decompressing HTML pages or images onto your hard drive. Typically, 2 GB e-books can easily support 6 GB of compressed data. The catch is that generally only text files will be compressible.
You don't want a compiler that decompresses that much data when a user tries to open your e-book. This would mean that anyone who purchases your e-book will have to wait for all the data to be decompressed before they can access your e-book immediately after downloading it. So look for compilers that only temporarily decompress NON-HTML files to your local hard drive. Non-HTML files include Flash, Word, and Acrobat files. This type of compiler is safer and certainly faster.
Make sure the compiler you choose is compatible with your system software. See what version of Windows it requires and make sure you have that version before purchasing the compiler.
Support questions are extremely important. Select the compiler that contains the installer. This program allows your user to choose several different locations on their computer to install the e-book, place a shortcut on the desktop, and add the e-book to the Start Programs menu if they choose.
You also want excellent and affordable vendor support.
Make sure you have access to fast technical support! At three in the morning, this factor will be VERY important. See also the terms and conditions of the free technical support offered. Unlimited technical support is of course the best option.
Check if the company that supplies the compiler software offers a service level agreement. This agreement is to assure you of their quality answers to your questions or problems.
It is good to consider how long the compiler has been on the market. The version number will usually give you a typical idea. The longer the program has been on the market, the higher the version number, the more bugs have been fixed.
When choosing an e-book compiler, don't be swayed by incredible promises and dazzling sales copy. Do your homework first, and then consider all of the above issues and factors before choosing an e-Book compiler.
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