Formats help - eBooks and printed books

We aim to provide up-to-date information as quickly as possible, to anyone in the world. To achieve this, we use electronic book formats. We also provided printed formats, however these often take longer to arrive and/or are more expensive. This page provides more information on these two formats.

For electronic book format:

• Electronic Book (eBook) - general questions
• Electronic Book (eBook) - technical questions
• Questions on printing eBooks

For printed book format:

• Printed book questions

Electronic book (eBook) - general questions

What eBook formats are available?

At present we use Adobe Acrobat formats for our electronic formats. These are often known as "PDF" files. PDF stands for "Portable Document Format." At present we do not support the Microsoft Reader format.

How do I read eBooks?

To read eBooks from this site you need, at minimum, the Adobe Acrobat Reader software version 5.x or above. This is available for free download from the Internet. For more information on obtaining the software see below in technical questions.

You can read the eBooks on the computer screen, or for certain versions you can print them out.

Can I share eBooks with other people/colleagues?

The license type determines whether or not you can share eBooks. Many products sold through this site have a "Single Reader" license. This means only you (and your immediate family) may view and print the eBook.

"Single Reader" products often have protection built in - for example you need to enter your credit card number to open the eBook, and the eBook contains your name, address and other personal information. See the "Personalized products" question for more information.

Other license types are available, for example for companies, training organizations and educational institutions. See Programs help for more information.

Personalized products - what are they?

Personalized eBooks have your personal information inscribed into them. For example, they may have your name, address, and credit card information inscribed into certain pages inside the book. This is a copy prevention mechanism.

How long do eBooks take to download?

It depends on the file size. The product description pages indicate the file size and approximate download time via a 56k modem.

For example, the Memletics Manual is approximately 3.5 megabytes and takes 10-15 minutes to download using a 56k modem. LAN access, cable modems, DSL/ADSL and other connection methods are significantly faster than a modem and so the download time is a lot less.

Electronic book (eBook) - technical questions

What are the software requirements for eBooks on this site?

At minimum, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5.x and above. You can also use:

• Version 6.x of the reader, known as the Adobe Reader.
• Version 5.x of Adobe Acrobat - the full software
• Version 6.x of Adobe Acrobat, Standard or Professional

Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5.x and Adobe Reader v6.x is free software available for download from the Internet (and other sources) - see further below.

What are the system requirements for eBooks on this site?

Your computer system must meet the Adobe Acrobat minimum system requirements. Visit the Adobe Reader home page » and then click "System Requirements" on the right.

If you are purchasing a printable product, you must also have access to a printer.

Where can I get the Adobe Acrobat Reader?

The primary place is at Adobe's website: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html »

Other places you may find the software include:

• Adobe's websites for specific countries
• On computer magazine CD-ROMs
• On software CD-ROMs that use PDF documents

How do I install the Adobe Acrobat Reader, and/or where can I get support?

Visit http://www.adobe.com/support/products/acrreader.html » for more help on Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Please direct all questions on Adobe software to Adobe.

How can I test my software and system is set up correctly?

If you'd like to test whether your system is set up correctly, try downloading and printing this Test file for PDF version 5.

What can I do if I'm having problems with Adobe Acrobat Reader?

If you have issues with Adobe Reader software, please check the Adobe support articles available at http://www.adobe.com/support/products/acrreader.html »

Two that may be helpful are:

Can you provide a PDF file in Acrobat version 4 format?

Unfortunately no. The encryption on this version is too weak to adequately protect the product.

Can I use Microsoft Reader to view eBooks from this site?

At present this store does not provide eBooks in the Microsoft Reader format, therefore you can't use Microsoft reader for our products.

Questions on printing eBooks

Can I print eBooks?

It depends. If you purchase an eBook that has "printable" in the product description, you can print the eBook on a standard Windows or Mac printer. The license type you purchase determines how many you may print.

If you purchase a book which has "non-printable" in the product description, you won't be able to print it. It is not possible to circumvent this restriction.

What if I've accidentally purchased a non-printable version?

Contact us. We can usually arrange an upgrade to a printable version.

What is the quality of a printed eBook?

This depends heavily on the printer you use. If you have a press-quality printer, the quality is the same as any book you buy in a bookshop. If you print it on a ten-year-old dot-matrix printer, you may find it difficult to read.

Most printers released in the last 2 years should provide an acceptable print quality. Laser printers are often the best choice.

If you have any concerns, you could have someone else print it for you.

How long does it take to print?

Again this depends on the printer you use. If a book has 220 pages, and your printer prints at 5 pages per minute, it should take 45 minutes to print. Most laser printers will print faster than this.

What is the page size?

The native page size in most PDF files on this site is Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches, or 21.6 x 28 cm). This size will print on A4 sized paper as well.

Where can I find someone else to print it for me?

If you don't have access to a good quality printer, there are often alternatives. Consider whether you have access to a good printer through your family, friends or employment.

Many instant printing businesses can nowadays accept files by the web, email or CD, and will print the document at the same rate as photocopying rates. For example, to print the Memletics Manual (approx 220 pages) should cost no more than:

• United States - Kinkos » - US$0.15* per double-sided sheet X 110 sheets = US$16.50
• Australia - OfficeWorks » - AU$0.08* per side X 220 sides = AU$17.60

If you shop around you may be able to get it cheaper. If you find a good location, feel free to post your experience in the forums.

Printed book questions

What printed book formats are available?

At present, we provide a printed version in A4 format, spiral bound with a color cover.

Can I share the printed version?

If you purchase the "Single Reader" version, then no you cannot share the book with others outside your immediate family. The book is licensed to you and includes your information in the front cover.

Other licenses are available for businesses - see Program help for more information.

How long will it take to receive the printed version?

Printed versions are usually shipped from our premises within 2 business days. The shipping time depends on the country and the shipment type you choose on your order. See Shipping help for more information.

How does the printed version get to me?

United States orders ship from Chicago, Illinois, via priority or media mail.

For Australian customers we ship by Australia Post - regular and express parcel post.

For customers outside the USA or Australia we ship these using International airmail.