If you're looking for a new way to read books, downloading e-books from the Internet is one possibility. Are you short on funds? Some websites offer free books that can be read on your computer. Although the process of downloading books to your desktop or laptop is simple, you must be careful when selecting a free book website to avoid illegally obtaining books.
Instructions
- 1
Find a website that offers free e-books. Project Gutenberg features more than 30,000 books that can be read on your computer, according to the organization's website. Barnes and Noble, a popular book seller, offers free eBooks via its website. You'll need a valid credit card number to download Barnes and Noble e-books; however, your card will not be charged.
2Look for author promotions. If a writer is releasing a new book soon, she and her publisher may opt to release a prior book for a limited amount of time via the Internet for free. Follow your favorite author's blog or check his website often so you can take advantage of e-book promotions.
3Download an e-book reader. Microsoft and Adobe offer free e-book readers via their websites. (See Resources.) If the website you obtain your book from calls for a specific e-book reader, follow the links provided and download the software onto your computer.
4Download the e-book to your computer. Follow the instructions that the free book website gives. Save the file in a place where you can easily access it such as a folder designated for e-books.
5Double-click the e-book file to open it. If the book does not open, right-click your mouse and select "Open With." Locate the e-book reader on the program list and click on it.
