eBook Info and FAQ

Formats and Compatibility

• Which eBook formats are available on abc.nl?

  Depending on the title, the following formats may be available: Adobe DRM-protected EPub or Adobe DRM-protected PDF.

  EPub is the standard eBook format that makes it possible to optimise and customise text and images for both large displays like a desktop computer and small screens like smartphones. Sometimes the format is also referred to as 'flowing text'.

  PDF (Portable Document Format) is the standard format for document interchange created by Adobe.

  Both formats are "Adobe DRM Protected" and must be linked to an Adobe Id.

• What does DRM-protected mean?

  Adobe Digital Rights Management (DRM) ensures that the person who downloads an eBook is its sole owner and is unable to share the file with others. The DRM specification for each eBook is set by the publisher who owns the respective copyrights.

  In order to read DRM protected eBooks on any device you'll need to create an Adobe ID and install (and authorize) software that works with the Adobe ID.

  We recommend Adobe Digital Editions.

• Will the eBooks work on Apple products?

  Yes, as long as the sofware you use has been authorized with your Adobe ID. When you use any one of these apps for the first time you will be asked to enter your Adobe ID and password.

  Adobe DRM protected eBooks cannot be opened with iBooks.

  Adobe Digital Editions (ADE), our recommended software, is also available for Apple products.

• Can I buy eBooks for my Kindle?

  No, the Kindle is a 'closed' device so only content bought from Amazon can be viewed on a Kindle. DRM-protected eBooks cannot be loaded onto it.

Software and Requirements

• Quick steps to download and read an eBook?

  All our eBooks are "Adobe DRM Protected" and must be linked to an Adobe Id.

  1. Get an Adobe Id so that you can access the eBook.
  2. Install eBook reading software on your device/pc. Adobe Digital Editions software will enable you to read on the pc and transfer your eBooks onto your e-reader.
  3. For Apple products can use the Bluefire Reader.
  4. Authorize the eBook reading software with your Adobe Id before you download the eBook or your eBook will not be linked to your Adobe Id and become unreadable (choose 'Authorize Computer' from 'Help' dropdown).
  5. Download the eBook onto your device by clicking on the download link sent to you via email.
• Recommend software: Adobe Digital Editions (ADE).

  This is a free program/app that allows you to manage and read your eBooks. ADE is like a virtual bookcase where you can create new book shelves to arrange your eBook library. From this program you can add, remove and re-sort eBooks, also you will need this program to be able to transfer eBooks from your desktop to your portable eReader. You will need to Authorize your ADE (or other reading software).

  For more information please visit Adobe Digital Editions help page

  ADE is available for Android and Apple products.

• Is ADE the same program as Adobe Acrobat Reader?

  No, ADE is a specific program for downloading, transferring and reading (DRM-protected) eBooks on a device.

  Adobe Acrobat Reader cannot access DRM-protected eBooks.

• "Authorization" explained

  Authorization enables the eBook reading software to access your downloaded eBook, which is linked to the Adobe ID. In order to read and transfer eBooks between devices, make they are all authorized with the same Adobe ID.

  A DRM protected eBook that is downloaded to an unauthorized device will become unreadable.

• Get an Adobe ID
  1. You can sign up for an Adobe Id on the Adobe.com website, or via the ADE software
  2. Your Adobe ID is the email address that you used to sign up
  3. Your Adobe password is the password you used to create the account.
  4. You can use your Adobe ID and Adobe password immediately after you've created it.

  
  
• Authorize your ADE
  1. Open your ADE and via the Help menu, click on "Authorize Computer".
  2. Note: make sure Adobe ID is selected in the dropdown menu next to eBook Vendor.
  3. Enter your Adobe ID and password.
  4. Note: you cannot use the checkbox "I want to authorize my computer without an ID".
  5. Click Authorize.
  6. Click OK when Adobe finishes authorizing your computer.

  
  

Purchasing and Downloading

• How do I download my purchased eBook?

  Important: be sure to have authorized your ADE (or third party) software with your Adobe Id before you download your eBook.

  • After completing your order at abc.nl you will receive separate emails for every eBook purchased which contain a download link.
  • Click on this link to download a file with file extention .acsm. This is the licence that retrieves the eBook file.
  • The .ascm file will be opened by ADE (or third party software ).
  • In this program the actual eBook file will then be downloaded and added to your libary.
• How many times can the eBook be downloaded?

  The download link can be used successfully six times.

  Once this limit has been reached the eBook cannot be downloaded again. If the download limit is reached a notification with 'Download limit exceeded' will be displayed.

  It is envisaged that this is more than generous, and will permit users to re-download an eBook in the event of the loss of data from their device or pc.

• Does the URL link ever expire?

  The links are valid for a period of two years from the date the order is made.

• Should you backup your ebook downloads?

  Yes.

  Like all other data, eBooks are the responsibility of the user. To make sure they have put in place procedures to back up data on a regular basis.

  • As long as you have: registered ADE at install and kept a note of the Adobe ID they were issued with, you will be able to copy the eBooks onto your new PC and access them.
  • If you failed to back up the files, those eBooks will be lost, although you can use any remaining downloads from the download URL.
  • If you did back up your eBooks, but did not register the ADE prior to their original download, then the eBooks will be tied to the old PC and will not work on the new PC.
• Can I buy multiple eBooks at the same time?

  Yes, you can. You can buy different eBooks and regular books at the same time. In fact anything we sell on abc.nl can be added to your shopping basket and will be delivered to you in the correct format.

• Is my ABC 10% Card valid for eBook too?

  Yes, it certainly is.

• Why are some ebooks unavailable?

  Our distributor has to follow the "distribution rights" as set by each publisher. These rights can change from one day to the next and so the availability of ebook can be changed remotely by the publisher. We have to follow the distribution rights for our region.

• Can eBooks be returned?

  All eBooks are firm sale and thus returns are not accepted.

Other Questions

• How many eBook readers can have a copy of the same eBook on them at the same time?

  When using Adobe Digital Editions a DRM protected title can be copied between up to six support mobile devices, providing all devices are using the same Adobe ID.

• What happens if the computer fails, will all the eBooks be lost?

  Like all other data, eBooks are the responsibility of the user. To make sure they have put in place procedures to back up data on a regular basis.

  • As long as you have: registered ADE at install and kept a note of the Adobe ID they were issued with, you will be able to copy the eBooks onto your new PC and access them.
  • If you failed to back up the files, those eBooks will be lost, although you can use any remaining downloads from the download URL.
  • If you did back up your eBooks, but did not register the ADE prior to their original download, then the eBooks will be tied to the old PC and will not work on the new PC.
• Can I share my purchased eBooks with others?

  eBook copyright rules only allow the purchaser to use the eBook for personal use. You may however put the eBook onto (up to) six devices that have been registered using your Adobe ID.