- Choosing A Compiler -
by
Leo Hunter
All Rights Reserved 2007
Published by
Able Limited Editions
www.ablelimitededitions.co.uk
So you've written and revised your ebook, hired an artist who has produced outstanding graphics and edited it down or up to a reasonable standard etc. And now you're ready to actually put it all together in ebook form. What you need now 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 actually does. Here is a so-called simple description - an ebook compiler is a software program which converts text or HTML pages into one executable file, or ebook. But what that basic description doesn't express is the fact that a different type of compiler's needed for text and HTML, if you don't have an office software suite on board to convert one to the other etc. - That is, for example, if you have, or someone you hired has created a pre-ebook file with graphics in HTML, you will need an HTML ebook Compiler. If you don't have essential working knowledge of the HTML language to use this type of compiler, you must therefore use software to do this for you, such as Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver. So how do you choose a compiler?
There are a large number of ebook Compilers available on the market. All have glowing sales copy and tekkie language. It can therefore be very confusing and overwhelming in selecting a compiler. But generally, in simple terms, choosing a compiler depends on a number of factors. They include :-
1. How you created your pages. Did you use Microsoft Word then saved it as HTML or PDF format? Or did you use HTML or PDF? Can you change the format (copy it whilst in one format and paste it into the other) etc? Or can you save as from one format to the other? That is do you have a suitable office or other software suite? If not, first ensure you're selecting from the relevant compiler category. Then :-
2. Consider how easy the compiler you're considering is to use and thoroughness of the compiler software's instruction manual. It is absolutely necessary the compiler you buy has an instructional manual, or online wizards (that don't actually spy on the intellectual property in the files you intend to convert into an ebook). If it doesn't, your chances of figuring out how to use the compiler correctly are compromised. And the time required doing so will be significant. - Many manufacturers of compilers offer free trial versions so you can play around with it though, to see if it suits your needs. Download the trial version; if you trust the company offering that service, and ascertain that it actually does what the manufacturer or seller claims.
3. Security features. If you plan to sell your ebook, check out the security features of the compiler software carefully. They should include measures to prevent readers etc from modifying text etc. They should also include measures to prevent unauthorized people from accessing pages you didn't assign, such as password-protection and 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 readers' interactivity. And choose a compiler that allows 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 the best choice. Choose a compiler based on your requirements for your ebook. That means you need to know exactly how you plan to use your ebook and what functions you require.
Now let's look at some of those 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 the compiler supports. Compilers that require a browser will not run on a computer that doesn't 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 necessary 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; possibly unless they enter a correct password etc.
To find out how secure an ebook HTML compiler is, open any ebook on it. While it's 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 there when your ebook is open or running, that means your computer is decompressing the secure data from your ebook before showing the ebook to the reader. It also means it's not secure, in that anyone with the knowledge of how to access these temporary files can steal the secure data, then they can fiddle with your ebook to their evil heart's desire. Remember, one of the purposes of buying and using an HTML compiler is to protect your [intellectual] 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 users 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 password factor 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 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, if any, is that only the text files will generally be compressible. You don't want a compiler that decompresses this amount of data when users attempt 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 after downloading it. So look for compilers that only temporarily decompress files that are NOT HTML to the local hard disk. 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. Or install the correct version of Windows thereafter.
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 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 or higher the version number, the more bugs have been worked out.
When choosing an ebook compiler, don't be swayed by incredible promises and dazzling sales copy. Do your homework on the issues touched on above, then all the raised issues and factors related to compiler rating; before choosing an ebook compiler. Then tally-ho folks. - Good luck. - See you in the cloudy battle fields of writers block.
This article of course relates to the concept of self-publishing as an author. But if you don't want to go through the hassle of choosing a compiler in that context, Able Limited Editions offer a range of publishing services designed to cater for your specific needs and wants. That is they will create the ebook for you from a range of PDF and EXE compilers.
Write on folks.
All Rights Reserved
Publisher Able Limited Editions
www.ablelimitededitions.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment