What are eBooks?

An eBook is a digital version of a printed book that can be downloaded on to a computer, eBook reader or other electronic devices and is stored as a file similar to a document or image file.

What eBook formats are available on Tesco eBooks?

There are two formats available on Tesco eBooks; Adobe (PDF); and Adobe (ePub).

The Adobe (PDF) is a fixed-format digital version of a book which resembles as close as possible the printed version, and was originally created for computer screens. Whilst the font size can be changed it is not normally possible to alter other formatting aspects such as page breaks. One of the main advantages of the PDF format is the ability to maintain the layout of complex documents.

Please note that you cannot read any of our Adobe PDF format eBooks from within a PDF viewer. The DRM controls applied by the Publishers of our eBook range inhibit this.

The Adobe (ePub) is more interactive and offers changeable text, which means that you can decide how you read your eBook. The ePub format was created specifically for eBooks and ereaders. It allows you to change the font, resize the text, and change the style and page. The main strength of the ePub format is that you have optimal choice for reading eBooks on small screens.

How can I view an eBook?

You can read an eBook using a PC, Mac, or laptop using a software ebook viewer called Adobe Digital editions. At present, Adobe digital editions is not available for Unix or Linux operating systems.

You can also use many of the current eBook reader devices such as those manufactured by Sony, BeBook and Irex to name but a few. If you are unsure if your device is compatible with current DRM controlled Adobe PDF and ePub eBooks, please check with the manufacturer of your device. Many manufacturers have also produced updated firmware for older devices to make them compatible with current eBook formats.

Please note that at present none of our eBooks can be viewed using the Apple iPhone or iPod touch, although we hope to offer this facility shortly.

What is Adobe Digital Editions?

In order to download the eBooks you will need to install Adobe Digital Editions on your system, which is available free. You will be guided through this when you purchase an eBook from Tesco eBooks. Adobe Digital Editions is a free eBook reader used to read DRM-protected ePub and PDF files.

Adobe Digital Editions must be installed on your computer or laptop in order to download your eBooks. If you are familiar with or have a Sony eReader device, you can still synchronise the contents of your Adobe Digital Editions library with either or both of the Sony Bookshelf software or the device directly.

Once you have downloaded Adobe Digital Editions you will need to activate this once prompted to do so. You will need to have an Adobe id for this part of the set up so make sure you register for free with Adobe if you haven’t already done so.

Then, finally you will need to authorise your computer to protect your digital files. You can authorise up to 6 PC’s or mobile devices/readers with the same Adobe ID. Please note your ebooks are assigned to your Adobe ID, not your computer.

If you are prompted to download Adobe Digital Editions even though you already have it on your system, it may be because a more recent edition has become available and we strongly recommend that you upgrade as some eBooks may not operate with older versions.

For more help visit http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/help/

EBook Library

Your complete library of eBooks will be stored within Adobe Digital Editions for viewing at any time. You can continue to add or delete titles to your library all the time that you have a valid and activated installation of Adobe Digital Editions.

You can also transfer or migrate your library from one computer to another, as long as that new computer is activated or authenticated with your Adobe user id.

How many times can I download my eBook?

You can download your eBook up to 3 times for any single authorised Adobe User ID. This allows you to re-try if any problems are encountered whilst first downloading. It will also allow you to download the eBook to a new library should the existing one be lost.

It is recommended that if you receive error messages during downloading you use these to check with your software provider or your internet service provider before attempting a third download, as most error messages usually relate to your PC or internet service.

I am having problems trying to download the eBook?

Once you have checked out your order in your basket you will receive a URL link ready to download. It is up to you when and how you then wish to download the eBook. Tesco eBooks cannot take responsibility for the download process as this uses software and hardware that we do not control.

Please take the opportunity to check a few basic elements before calling our customer services team:

1) Do you have Adobe Digital Editions installed?

2) Do you have the very latest version of Adobe Digital Editions?

Adobe Digital Editions will automatically check to see if it is the latest release every time that the software is started. If it is not, you will be asked if you wish to update the software. Please do. If you do not, you will be prevented from downloading any new eBook titles until you have allowed the software to update.

3) Check your Internet Security settings?

Usually if you are using blanket settings of high security the download can be impacted or prevented from being downloaded. This would be the same for all downloading from the internet not just eBooks.

If you have checked your software documentation and help options and have still not managed to successfully download the eBook, please contact our customer services team on 0845 671 9422 and we will do our best to resolve the problem.

What if I have changed my mind about the eBook, can I cancel the order?

Once you have checked out your order the download link is supplied to you and cannot be cancelled. We cannot reuse the link once it has been supplied to you, so please make sure you are ordering the correct format and title. Pre-orders can be cancelled if not yet released. Please contact our Customer Service team on 0845 671 9422 if you wish to cancel your pre-order.

Are all books available in eBook format?

Only a small percentage of printed physical books are available as eBooks. The number is increasing all the time. Please check the site frequently for new titles added.

What is DRM – Digital Rights Management?

DRM is a technology that allows the publisher of the book to apply certain electronic control over how the book can be used. They do this to protect their intellectual property, but for most people these controls do not hinder your enjoyment of their product.

Typical DRM controls can include limiting the number of pages that can be printed, the number of devices that it can be copied or synchronised with, and the number of times the book can be downloaded.