I have just heard that .exe files do not work on Macs - is this true? Is there any way round it? What does a .exe file require to make it work? Apologies if this has been asked before.
Posted on: 11:46 am on October 18, 2006
RiffRaff
Correct, more's the pity. If you look at recent postings on this forum, you'll see a few moans and groands from me about this salf-same subject! I've tried to create pdf versions of my exe ebooks, but without flash graphics etc., they seem (to me, anyway) poor relations. I've searched for ebook compilers for mac's, whether using Adobe pdf's or otherwise....only alternatives I've found are Keebook and Dekstop Author, but it's not that easy! One needs a "reader" programme to be downloaded in order to view your book, and if memory serves me right, the other needs Windows emulation software to view.
Posted on: 1:40 pm on October 18, 2006
jonnyg111
Thanks, Riffraff, that's just what I have found. The .exe book I've created would not be at home in Adobe somehow, and it is irritating that macs are excluded. Thanks for the results of your research into mac compilers. One last question: sorry to be ignorant, but which bit of Windows does the .exe format utilise?
Posted on: 3:53 pm on October 18, 2006
Storyman
RiffRaff,
You might like to know that Adobe's Acrobat Pro 8 now works with Flash. It's pricey though and won't ship for a few weeks.
Another possibility is to create your ebook as a PDF and release it with Activ--IF you also use HYPrLock v3 http://hyprlock.com/. The program also allows both PDF user and creator passwords to be used (you can use Activ alone with the PDF, but the PDF is vulnerable and lacks any real security).
JonnyG111,
RiffRaff is right on. There are pros and cons with both PDF and EXE ebooks. If you want a secure ebook you'll either have to spend a sizeable sum for PDF LiveCycle security or release it as an EXE file.
Besides security the other big advantage of EXE ebooks is that an automatic payment system can be included in the ebook (requires a program like HPYrLock).
There are lots of ebook compilers, but none that offer the advantages of Activ--especially when combined with HYPrLock.
Bottom line is that PCs make up around 95% of the market. Unless you are marketing specifically to an educational market (that typically is represented by a higher percentage of Mac users) EXE is a reasonable way to release your ebook(s).
Posted on: 5:48 pm on October 18, 2006
RiffRaff
"RiffRaff is right on"?! Good grief, Storyman, I'm embarrassed! The only points/findings I can make on this forum have all come from you!
Posted on: 7:07 pm on October 18, 2006
rlemire
JonnyG111,
If it's any consolation, we can be encouraged by the fact that around 95% of computers are Windows based.
On another note, I'd like to mention that you can "zip" your exe distribution files. They're still exe programs but you save a lot of band width.
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