eTextbook Help

• How Do eTextbooks Work?
• Your Computer
• Your Connection
• eTextbook FAQs

How Do eTextbooks Work?

1. Select any of over 10,000 eTextbooks available to purchase on our site.
2. Confirm the following information:
   1. Your computer meets the meets the minimum system requirements.
   2. You are using a high-speed Internet connection.
   3. Your computer has the required free reader software: Adobe Digital Editions, Adobe Reader (this will give you access to read out loud feature), VitalSource Bookshelf, or the Textbooks.com Reader.

      » Download Adobe Digital Editions
      » Download Adobe Reader 7.1
          (this will give you access to Read Out Loud feature)
      » Download VitalSource Bookshelf eTextbook Reader
      » Textbooks.com Bookshelf Reader

3. Once you confirm the requirements, simply add the eTextbook to your shopping cart and proceed through normal checkout.
4. Wait 15 to 30 minutes for an email confirmation with a link to download your eTextbook.
5. Download your eTextbook onto the computer you intend to use it on. Please allow 10 to 15 minutes for your eTextbook to download. You are now ready to begin using it!

View your eTextbook using the free reader below:

• Textbooks.com Bookshelf Reader

When purchasing an eTextbook, be sure to note its format and what reader it requires. After you complete your eTextbook order, you will be provided with instructions on how to access your free reader.

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Your Computer
Minimum System Requirements for eTextbooks and Free Reader Software

Personal (non-shared, non-lab) Computer with:

• Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X 10.3 or above
• At least 256 MB RAM, a 600 mHz processor, and 110 MB of hard drive space
• 1024x768 screen resolution or larger

Textbooks.com Reader Minimum system requirements:

• Windows XP, Windows Vista or Mac OS X 10.3 or above
• At least 280 MB RAM, a 600 mHZ processor and 110 MB of hard drive space
• 1024x768 (or larger) screen resolution

Textbooks.com Reader Supported Browsers

• Safari 4.0, 5.0, 6.0
• IE -- 8.0 and 9.0
• FireFox -- 7.0 and 8.0
• Chrome -- 14.0, 15.0, and 16

Textbooks.com Reader Download requirements:
In order to download your Textbooks.com eTextbook you will need to use either Chrome or Safari. If you would like to download the most recent version of either of these browsers you can access them here:

Chrome: http://www.google.com/chrome
Safari: http://www.apple.com/safari/download/

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Your Connection
Due to the size of eTextbooks, a high-speed internet connection (cable modem, DSL, LAN) is required for download stability and speed. Your connection can be wired or wireless.

Being online is not required for reading an eTextbook after successfully downloading it. You must only be connected to the Internet during the download process.

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eTextbook FAQs

Q: What are eTextbooks?

A: eTextbooks are digital, downloadable versions of print textbooks. All content of the book should be the same. eTextbooks are a great way to access the same information as regular textbooks while saving money and saving the environment.

Q: Why should I buy eTextbooks vs. a physical textbook?

A: Just a few reasons...

• Instant access to your book
• Reduced price over physical text
• No waste produced

Q: How long do eTextbooks last? Do they expire?

A: Expiration rules for eTextbooks vary by publisher. Consult your eTextbook's Digital Rights to find out when your eTextbook will expire.

Q: Can I print from my eTextbooks?

A: Yes. Check your eTextbook's Digital Rights for printing guidelines.

Q: Can I share my eTextbooks?

A: eTextbooks are designed as one-time downloads to a single computer owned by one user. Encoded Digital Rights Management does not allow eTextbooks to be shared between multiple users.

Q: Can I make a backup copy of my eTextbook in case my computer crashes?

A: Yes, not only can you, you absolutely should. Since eTextbooks are one-time downloads to a single computer, creating an archived backup and burning it to removable media such as CD, DVD, or external drive is your responsibility. You may do so and reinstall the eTextbook on the same computer to which you originally downloaded the digital content in order to restore it.

• If your eTextbook uses Adobe Digital Editions, consult the Adobe Digital Editions Help in the drop down bar.
• If your eTextbook uses VitalSource Bookshelf, call toll free at 800-610-5382 or email support@vitalsource.com.

Q: Can I return an eTextbook?

A: If you order an eTextbook in error:

• You must contact us at eBooks@textbooks.com BEFORE you activate!
• Your eTextbook is NON-RETURNABLE upon activation.
• Our return policy for inactivated eTextbooks is effective for 30 days after purchase.

For assistance with returning or exchanging eTextbooks, call Textbooks.com Customer Support toll-free at (877)-292-6442 x5 or email eBooks@textbooks.com.

Q: What if I need help?

A: Call us toll free at 877-292-6442 x5 or email us at eBooks@textbooks.com

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