About eBooks

About eBooks provides FAQ's and information on eBooks, free software downloads and a handy format guide.

What are eBooks?
eBooks are digital versions of printed books that can be readon your PC screen or on portable Handheld devices (PDA). The reader software recreates the look of a traditional printed book and also providesmultimedia enhancements like highlighting, linking, search and more.

How do I read an eBook?
To read an eBook, you must have eBook Reader Software installed on your computer or PDA. You can download Microsoft Reader, Adobe Acrobat Readerand Palm Reader software free. See Free Software Downloads below.

What are eBook reader devices?
eBook Reader Devices are handheld electronic devices that allow you todownload, store, and read eBooks and other text documents. With some eBookReaders you can keep schedules, take notes, play games or music, receiveeMail, link to the Net and even make a phone call. For more information on eBook Readers Click here

What is a PDA?
PDA's or Personal digital assistants are handheld devices that can be used for a variety of tasks, depending on the model type. With the right software they can store and display eBooks.

What is an eBook Format?
The eBook format is the way information is stored on your computer orhandheld device.

Which Format should I use?
The format is the version of an eBook text that you can read using aspecific eBook reader. Use our guide below to find the Format for your reading device.

What is PDF?
PDF or Portable Document Format is a format developed by Adobe Systems thatallows text documents to appear on your computer just as they would in print.

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Use the table below to find your handheld device and the Readers/Formats youcan use to read your eBook Crossroads eBooks.

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To read your stories on Palm Devices, WIN CE Devices, or Computers you MUSThave reading software installed. Pocket PCs and Rocket eBook Readers alreadyhave the needed software. Click here for more info.

Microsoft Reader (MS Reader) files can be read on a Pocket PC (which comeswith MS Reader software preinstalled) or on an ordinary desktop or laptopPC with MS Reader (cannot be used with Mac). System requirements areWindows 95, 98, ME, NT or 2000 with 16Mb RAM. Download MS Reader here

Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files can be read on a laptop or desktop (eitherPC or MAC) with Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Download Adobe Acrobat here

Palm Reader files can be read on Windows PC and Macintosh computers,PC/Win CE handhelds, Palm Handhelds, Sony Clié, or any other Palm OS devicewith Palm Reader installed. Download Palm Reader Here

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For Palm Devices: Do this the same way you would move any application to your Palm. Since there are so many different versions of Palm, the best wayto proceed is to open your Palm software program on your desktop, click onhelp, and search for "Install" instructions. In general, it works like this:after downloading an eBook to your computer, you can use the Palm InstallTool to send the eBook file to your Palm device. We recommend saving allyour eBooks to the same folder so you can easily find them. For example,if you are a PC user, make a folder called "eBooks" on your C drive andalways save your eBooks there.

For Pocket PC devices (Microsoft Reader): In the ActiveSync Softwarethat came with your Pocket PC, click on the Explore button within the toolbar. Double-click on "My Pocket PC." Drag-and-drop your eBook on the Windowsfolder. ActiveSync will automatically begin copying and converting theeBook to your Pocket PC, and will be added to your Microsoft Reader Libraryon your Pocket PC.

Franklin eBookMan: In order to transfer a file to your Franklin eBookMan,you must save the file in the "Sync" folder. By default, this folder isc:\program files\Franklin Electronic Publishers\Data\Contents, assuming you installed the Franklin tools in the default location. This is a ratherlong path to find all the time, so we suggest you change it to something simplier, such as C:\EbookManContents by using the eBookMan Desktop Utility(first create the new sync directory using windows explorer then go to theeBookMan Desktop utility, select the File menu and choose Change SyncFolder). So, all you need to do is save your files directly into your Syncfolder, then use the Synchronize button in the eBookMan Desktop Utility tosend the files to your device.

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