booksoncomputer.com publishes and manufactures e-books for distribution over the internet.
This site has been designed for maximum accessibility. For comments and suggestions please contact us.
Simple Instructions for E-Books:
Installing
Install reader program. Open book file with reader program.
Choosing a Format
If it is important for you to be able to read on a PDA without a Microsoft® operating system, you will want the Mobipocket Reader and the PRC format. If you are using a hand computing device with Windows®, the best reading program is Microsoft Reader® and you will need the LIT format. The best e-book experience and, not coincidentally, the closest to a traditional book is found with the Adobe Reader®, which requires the PDF format. For accessibility concerns, the best program is Adobe Reader® with the PDF format. However, the Microsoft Reader®, which requires the LIT format, is very comparable and much easier to use.
For more detailed instructions, read about reader programs and formats.
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Readers
booksoncomputer.com recommends and supports three reader programs that may be downloaded free:
 The Adobe Reader® supercedes both the Adobe Acrobat Reader® and the Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader® displaying Print Downloadable Format (PDF) files in manner attractive and convenient for computer reading. This program is well-suited to unusual book designs because it offers the customer a variety of control and view options. Also in favor of this program, it is already installed on most computers, since it is used widely across the internet to provide complex information documents. Available for Mac®, Windows®, and many other operating systems, including some handheld platforms. booksoncomputer.com does not, however, recommend this program and format for use on handheld devices, because of the inconvenience caused by the small display area.
 The Microsoft Reader® provides an excellent reading experience when the e-book is well-designed and well-suited to its page structure. This program, however, does not adapt well to unusual designs. It functions similar to a browser and, like a browser, it enforces its own rules on the content. A great advantage, however, is the Microsoft font-rendering technology, especially on the Windows XP® operating system, which presents expecially clean and distinct text. This greatly relieves the strain on the eyes normally associated with computer screens. Another benefit of this program is that accessibility tools are built-in and easy to use. Available only for platforms with Microsoft® operating systems.
 The Mobipocket Reader® is the most limited in presentation—books are barely recognizable as such. Yet, this program is adaptable to almost any kind of platform, from palm tool to desktop. Consequently, with this program, electronic books become as fully portable as paper.
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Useful Information
For maximum convenience, put all your e-books in the same place. If you use Microsoft Reader®, then you will already have a "My Library" folder inside your documents folder. If you have the option, use "Save as . . ." on download to put the book in your special folder. However, it is best not to move e-books once they have been saved to a folder, because the reader program can lose the book.
 The reader programs all have the ability to remember where the e-books are stored once they have been opened and added to the "library" or "bookshelf". However, if the book is moved, the shortcut will no longer function and will generate an error. In this case only, delete the "book" shortcut from the inside the program, and then open the e-book file at its new location to create a new and valid shortcut. Warning! In most readers, deleting a valid shortcut will delete the e-book as well! So be careful not to delete a valid shortcut. Also, some readers will not open a book with certain protections if it has been moved. This is a very good reason to find one place to put your e-books and then leave them alone.
Try setting your screen to a higher resolution. Higher resolution usually means more readable text. Learn your display options. Windows XP® has a ClearType® option that the user can select under "display, appearance, effects." This option effectively increases the resolution for text. This option, however, must be selected manually by the user, because the default is standard font-smoothing. In addition to adjusting options within the display driver programs, you should take the time to adjust your monitor's brightness and contrast controls. And turn a light on. Anything that eases strain on the eyes will make your reading experience more enjoyable. The reader programs themselves also have options to achieve maximum readability. These options will be found under "menu" or "settings." Just as eye comfort is important, body posture and comfort is also critical for reading books. Move controls closer to your body. Lower or raise the top of the monitor to eye level. Align your back and neck to a natural position. Adjust your position frequently. Take breaks, stretch, move around, and look at distant objects from time to time. Alternate using the mouse and the keyboard controls. Use a good chair. Larger monitors generally mean higher resolutions and more readable text. Large type is easier to read. Since the e-book has no bulk, having more pages is not a disadvantage. An extra minute on a download will always be worth the wait if you receive a more readable book.
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Contact Us
For questions about books, readers, or purchases:
For questions about e-book manufacture and publishing:
For submissions and related questions:
For all other questions, please contact us at:
booksoncomputer
11650 West Orange Grove Road
Tucson, Arizona 85743
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