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 tekkie
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 covert 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 instructional 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 heart’s 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 hardisk. 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.