Choosing An Ebook Compiler
By Matthew Tibble, Mon Jan 2nd

What is an eBook compiler?

You've written and revised your ebook, hired an artist who hasproduced outstanding graphics, and now you're ready to actuallyput together your ebook. What you need to make an ebook issoftware called an ebook Compiler.

There are many different compilers to choose from, but first,you need to know exactly what an ebook Compiler does. Here isthe simple explanation:

An ebook compiler is a software program that converts eithertext pages or HTML text into a single executable file or anebook.

If you or someone you hired has created a file with graphics inHTML, you will need an HTML ebook Compiler. This type ofcompiler requires a working knowledge of the HTML tag language.You can also use software to do this for you, such as MicrosoftFrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver.

How do you choose an eBook Compiler?-------------------------------------------- There are a largenumber of ebook Compilers available on the market, all withglowing sales copy and tekkie language. It can get veryconfusing and overwhelming very fast without some simpleguidelines to help you figure out which compiler is right foryou.

Choosing an ebook Compiler depends on a number of factors:

1. How did you create your pages? Did you use HTML or PDFformat? There are many more compilers available for HTML, butyou can find some very good compilers that will covert your PDFfiles into an ebook.

2. Consider how easy the program is to use and the thoroughnessof the software's instruction manual. It is absolutely necessarythat the compiler you buy have an instructional manual,documentation, or online "wizards." If it doesn't, your chancesof figuring out how to correctly use the program arecompromised, and the time required doing so is going to besignificant. Many manufacturers of compilers offer a free trialversion so you can play around with it and see if it suits yourneeds. Download the trial version and ascertain that it actuallydoes what it claims to do.

3. Security features. If you plan to sell your ebook, check outthe security features of the compiler software carefully.Security features should include: prevention of the reader frommodifying text, access only to the pages you assign or byentering a password, different ways of generating passwords suchas secure passwords, user-friendly, and open passwords.

4. Supported scripting. Find out what scripts the softwaresupports. 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, searchwindows, 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 bestchoice. Choose your compiler based on the necessary requirementsfor your Ebook. That means you need to know exactly how you planto use your Ebook and what functions you require.

Let's look at some of these factors in more detail. First ofall, make sure you have the correct browser to run the compiler.The majority of HTML compilers use Microsoft Internet Exploreror Netscape. Check out the version that the compiler supports.Compilers that require a browser will not run on a computer thatdoes not have the required browser installed. However, there areebook HTML compilers that don't require you to have any browserinstalled on your computer. These compilers run on any Windowssystem.

If you choose a compiler that requires a browser, check toascertain that the browser is installed correctly and that it isproperly configured to the specifications of the compiler. Checkto see if certain functions are turned off or on, and make anyadjustments according to the compiler instructions.

Security is an essential element of any compiler, regardless ofwhether you plan to sell or give away your ebook. One of themain reasons for using a compiler is to prevent the reader frommodifying the contents. A secure compiler allows access only tothe pages you want the user to access unless they enter acorrect password.

To find out how secure an ebook HTML compiler is, open an ebookon it. While it is open, check the temporary directory of yourcomputer. This can usually be accessed by typing inC:Windowstemp. If you see a bunch of files when your ebook isopen or running, it means that your computer is decompressingthe secure data from your ebook before showing the ebook to theviewer. This method is not secure! It means that anyone with theknowledge of how to access these temporary files can steal thesecure data and then they can fiddle with your ebook to theirevil heart's desire. Remember, one of the main purposes ofbuying and using an HTML compiler is to protect your property.

Next, let's discuss passwords. When trying to choose an ebookCompiler, check out the type of passwords that the compilersupports. Almost all compilers offer some kind of passwordprotection that insures that the user can only access thecontents they have purchased from you. However, the bestcompilers offer varied ways to generate different types ofpasswords. Choose a compiler that gives you the options ofsecure, user-friendly, and open password generation.

Another important factor when it comes to passwords is how thecompiler generates them. A compiler that has internal passwordprotection generation built into the software is more securethan compilers that link to live Internet password controlsystems.

Find out if the compiler generates passwords online. If it hasthis option, it allows you to choose any payment processingsystem you want or to do the payment processing yourself.

Next, look into the size of ebook the compiler supports. Thebest compilers can create ebooks up to 2 GB in size withoutdecompressing the HTML pages or images to your hard disk.Usually, ebooks that are 2 GB in size can easily support 6 GB ofcompressed data. The catch here is that only text files willgenerally be compressible.

You do not want a compiler that decompresses this amount of datawhen the user attempts to open your ebook. This would mean thatanyone who purchases your ebook will have to wait for all thedata to decompress before they can access your ebook right afterdownloading it. So look for compilers that only decompresstemporarily files that are NOT HTML to the local hard disk.Non-HTML files include Flash, Word, and Acrobat files. This typeof compiler is more secure and certainly faster.

Make sure the compiler you choose is compatible with your systemsoftware. Check out what version of Windows it requires, andmake sure you have that version before buying your compiler.

Support issues are extremely important. Choose a compiler thatincludes an installation program. This program allows your userto choose a number of different places on their computer toinstall the ebook, to place a shortcut on their desktop, and toadd the ebook, if they choose, to the Start Programs menu.

You also want excellent and accessible vendor support. Make sureyou can access quick technical support! At three o'clock in themorning, this factor will be VERY important. Also, check to seethe terms of free technical support offered. Unlimited technicalsupport is obviously the best option.

Check to see if the company that puts out the compiler softwareoffers a service level agreement. This agreement is to assureyou of their quality response to your questions or problems.

A good thing to consider is how long the compiler has been onthe market. Usually, the version number will give you an idea.The longer the program is on the market, the higher the versionnumber, the more bugs have been worked out.

When choosing an ebook compiler, do not be swayed by incrediblepromises and dazzling sales copy. Do your homework first, andthen consider all the above issues and factors before choosingan ebook compiler.

About the author:Matthew Tibble is passionate about helping small businessesachieve online business success. With 10 years experience insales and marketing, he has developed an enlightened approach tobusiness that combines proven philosophies with practicalimplementation. For more information, emailarticleinfo@businessplanningmadeeasy.com, or visithttp://www.businessplanningmadeeasy.com/