Like other types of files and documents, eBooks do not open themselves, you can only read them if you have the right software installed on your computer.

If you are just beginning with eBooks and do not have an eReader, try the free Kindle for PC program from Amazon - just Google it. It is the easiest to download and use, but you must have or create an Amazon account. As well as Windows, there is a Kindle App for Android, iOS and Mac.

Download the .epub file and 'save' the file containing the book, before you try to open it. Download and install the Kindle for PC program. Open it and go to "File" then "Import using send to Kindle" You will be asked to sign in to your Amazon account and you can then "Drag and Drop" or "Search" for the epub file you have saved on your PC. The file will be sent to Amazon and a copy will shortly be available on your Kindle for PC. This copy will be stored in a folder on your computer called "My Kindle Content" and you can open it in future from the Kindle for PC program.

If you are using Windows 8 or 10, do not allow TWINUI to try and open the file.

If you are using the Chrome, Edge or Firefox browsers and have trouble saving files, see this page.

If you are using an Android device see below.

If you are using an iPad see this page.

If you use OneDrive, you may need to temporarily disable the automatic cloud saving to save it on your own machine. Click the gear icon to go to OneDrive's settings and select "Pause syncing".

If you do not want to use Amazon, there are some other options, but most require more effort to get them to work.

You can install extensions from the Chrome web store or the Windows store which work within your browser. Some of these require internet access and some come with adverts or pester you to buy an upgraded version.

If you Google "eReader software for Windows", an overwhelming selection appears to be available. Do not be tempted to pay for any of these. I have tried a number of them and none is as good as Amazon's Kindle or Apple's Book apps.

The simplest free program is FBReader. Having originally been very basic, it now works quite well, except if your book contains tables. The only other program I can recommend is Calibre. This is primarily a library organiser, editor and converter, but it also contains a basic eBook reader that works well. Both are genuinely free.

When you have installed some software, before you buy anything, download one of my free books from the shop to see how it works.

If you intend to read on an Android device please be aware that some lack functionality or are temperamental. You may need to discover where to store books on your machine; this is not always as easy as it could be.

This is a bit long-winded compared to a dedicated eReader, but the best way is to use the ePub version of the book. Go to Google's Play Store and download the free Play Books App. After you click the link to the book, select "Copy to Play Books", this will 'upload' it to Play Books. You then need to 'download' it from there onto your machine in order to read it when you are not connected to the internet.

I have tested my books with several Android tablets and phones and it works for me. If you are in any doubt, or have an old machine, please experiment with a free book first, before you buy anything.

If you are thinking of buying an eReader, there is some advice here.

If you are having trouble moving books to your eReader there is help here.