Formats

PDF is compatible with both the Adobe Reader^®, which supercedes both the Adobe Acrobat Reader^® and the Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader^®. This is the best of all programs for e-books. The newest versions of the Adobe^® reading software provide excellent accessibility options if you are careful to request the full version during the download process.

The ".pdf" format creates permanent pages, imitating the experience of reading a paper book. Information can be referenced and located in the traditional manner, by pages. Additionally, stable pagination gives the reader confidence that the content is something real and tangible. The stability of the document is surprisingly important to the reading experience, perhaps because we have been trained to read paper books. Therefore, PDF is the best and most enjoyable format for e-books.

LIT is the format exclusively for the Microsoft Reader^®, which is a convenient and excellent program with accessibility features built in.

The Microsoft ".lit" format is dynamic, very similar to html web pages, and the Microsoft Reader^® acts very much like a browser. This creates the advantage of resizable text and the disadvantages of a flexible pagination. Another advantage is that the clarity of the text is superior, especially using ClearType^® on Windows XP^®. Also, these files are readable on pocket PC's that have the appropriate version of the Microsoft Reader^® installed.

PRC is the format exclusive to the Mobipocket Reader^®, which allows for reading on numerous platforms that have the appropriate version of the reader program installed. Accessibility options are generally not provided.

The ".prc" format has the same advantages and disadvantages as ".lit" files. It is also similar to a collection of web pages which means flexible pagination. This format is very limited in presentation because it is designed for hand-held computer devices that have very small displays.