EXE
From MobileRead
EXE format means that the eBook is actually a PC executable. Basically the eBook includes the program to display it.
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[edit] Introduction
EXE is the extension assigned to mark executable files on Windows PC and some other systems. An EXE can be executed by tapping it in an explorer window on typed on the line using a CLI if it is in the search path.
For eBooks it means the executable file is designed to display the eBook you want to read. Each executable is designed to display one book or one collection of books (all in one file). If you want to read another book you would download another executable.
While not actually using the EXE extension there is a program for the iPhone that creates eBooks that are executables. It is certainly possible to have programs for other platforms that behave like an EXE and provide eBook reading capability.
[edit] Advantages
- Each file is its own book. There is no other program to load or find. Just click the file to read the book.
- You can send the file to a friend that owns a PC without needing to send them a program to read it or telling them to download one from somewhere.
[edit] Disadvantages
There are some disadvantages with this format.
- Downloading exe files is always suspect in that they could really be a virus.
- Files are bigger than they need to be since every book as a copy of the reading program embedded in it.
- Typically these eBooks can only be read on a Windows PC (or on the OS that was used to create them).
- If the EXE comes from a different program it can have a different user interface which can be confusing.
[edit] Programs that can create EXE eBook files
- EBooksWriter can create EXE standalone files as one option.
- eBook Edit Pro creates an EXE file from an HTML file.
