How does choose and book work

What is the future for ebooks? An ebook is a text presented in a format which allows it to be read on a computer or handheld device. Many titles which are available in printed versions can be read as ebooks, including bestselling fiction, classics and reference texts. Ebooks are also used to make out-of-print work available, or to bypass print altogether, as with new works by aspiring authors.

Ebooks can consist simply of the electronic text or may also contain extras, such as audio, video or hyperlinks. These are small hand-held computers that mimic books. They are the size of a paperback, run on battery power and have a back-lit screen. They display texts which have been downloaded from a computer, and allow the reader to search for keywords and to add notes and hyperlinks.

There are two free software packages that can be downloaded from the internet, Adobe Acrobat reader and Microsoft Reader. Download here. There is a short registration form to fill out, requiring an email address and password.

After choosing between Windows and Mac versions, follow the clear on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Download takes between one and two minutes. Once downloaded, different viewing options are offered, and it is possible to highlight text and make your own notes against it.

Your library of books is displayed very clearly on your desktop with this software - simply click the title to access the book you want. It is necessary to go through an activation process, but a hotmail password can be used to sign in. The on-screen instructions for installation are easy to follow and downloading should take two to three minutes, but it's not as easy as getting the Adobe software.

You can, however, store your titles online, thus saving space. There is no delivery charge and, if you're downloading them on to your computer, the software is free.

Plans to bring the cost down even further are being considered. Non-fiction works have the most potential in terms of extra text, hyperlinks and footnotes. For example, Your Face Here: British Cult Movies Since the Sixties by Ali Catterall and Simon Wells provides hyperlinks to filmographies, additional text setting the featured films in context and added links to other films.

Some publishers are also beginning to add extras to their fiction titles, rather in the manner of DVDs compared to videos. The ebook version of Toby Litt's latest novel, deadkidsongs, includes a section that did not appear in the print version, an authorial afterword and an extra essay.

A newly launched ebook section on this British site mainly offers ebooks in Microsoft Reader. There is a good collection of titles on offer, from current fiction to classics, and a free sample of Oz Clarke's wine book to get you started.

Barnes and Noble. This American bookstore doesn't just sell ebooks, it publishes them as well. The new digital imprint revives previously out-of-print books alongside contemporary fiction and classics. This link takes you to a useful comparison of ebook readers. The much-vaunted free titles, however "for a limited time", that is , are out-of-copyright classics you could pick up from Project Gutenberg.

Using Adobe Acrobat, Amazon provides a number of free downloads as well as a large range of ebooks, from the classics, to recent fiction and reference books. It's clearly explained which books are compatible with which format. From the 'hottest downloads' section, it's evident that customers are into business success, spirituality and Lara Croft.

HarperCollins , Penguin and Random House all have ebook sections on their websites and these are worth exploring for newer fiction titles. Ebooks are divided into subject area and available in Microsoft and Adobe format; added extras are clearly signposted an exclusive afterword from King to Black House, a generous spattering of sample chapters.

A regular ebook newsletter will keep you up to date with the latest releases. Penguin offers a wide range of ebooks, including Penguin Classics and Rough Guides. You can download an ebook sampler with Microsoft Reader. Some fiction is available, including older books by authors ranging from Martin Amis to Jilly Cooper and an inexplicable wealth of Ruth Rendell.

You will be given confirmation of the place, date and time of your appointment. You may need more time to consider your choices you will take home with you an Appointment Request Letter so you can book your appointment later.

Your Appointment Request letter has a unique booking reference number, your NHS number and a list of hospital or clinic options for you to choose from. Your GP practice will also give you a password with your Appointment Request letter. Call us now on This is my: About NHS choose and book. This is my: Choose and Book Choose and Book is a NHS service that lets you the patient choose your clinic where you want your test and book an appointment which best suits you.

What does Choose and Book mean for me? As well as giving you a choice of test centre, date and time for your appointment, Choose and Book will also give you the ability to: plan and manage your appointments around any existing appointments, if you are currently undergoing treatment; fit your treatment in with your other commitments, at home and at work; choose appointments that fit with your needs; and check the status of your referral and change or cancel your appointments easily over the phone or on the internet.

How does Choose and Book work? You can then book an appointment with us via the telephone or via the internet. More information about hospitals is available on the NHS Choices website; You can choose the date and time of your appointment; You experience greater convenience and certainty. With Choose and Book, the choice is yours; and There is a reduced risk that correspondence gets lost in the post as most of the communication is done via computers.

Enquiry form. Type of enquiry Booking request General enquiry. Your name required. Please enter your preferred method of contact:. Your email address.