There’s a plethora of information available online – no doubt. Sometimes, the best way experts share knowledge is in the form of eBooks – because they can be downloaded, read offline and can be passed along in physical disks.
These are 15 handpicked eBooks that cover a wide range of topics – from marketing, personal development, to tech. They are free of cost. Zero dollars. No strings attached.
We’ve covered diverse eBooks (although the list is small) – so that it can be enjoyed by a wider audience. This is by no means an exhaustive list. You can offer suggestions in the comments section below and we’ll add them to this post.
1. Unleashing the Ideavirus
“An idea that just sits there is worthless. But an idea that moves and grows and infects everyone it touches – that’s an ideavirus.” says Seth Godin in this eBook and that’s what it’s all about – how to spread your ideas. Godin hoped that people who read the book online for free will buy the hardcover so he did just that – put the eBook on his site for download and voila – it’s now the #1 most downloaded eBook of all time.
2. Ubuntu Pocket Guide eBook
Trying out Ubuntu Linux for the first time? The Ubuntu Pocket Guide is a must-read before you delve into the operating system. The first chapter talks about Ubuntu’s philosophy and other general terms you need to know. All subsequent chapters deal with installing and configuring Ubuntu and they’ve almost got every other feature covered – in lucid language. If it’s the dictionary for English, it’s Ubuntu Pocket Guide for Ubuntu.
3. MakeUseOf’s Set of eBooks on Tech Basics
MakeUseof.com’s set of 15 manuals have got it all covered – Twitter and iPhone guides, help tips for Mac, Linux and networking newbies. If you don’t know torrents, there’s this ‘big book on torrents’ for you. Then there’s the idiot’s guide to building a PC and using Photoshop. As if that weren’t enough, there’s a PSP upgrading and downgrading guide. A dozen plus books that you can pass on to your not-so tech savvy friends.
4. Strong Lifts 5×5 eBook on Strength Training
Lose fat. Build muscle. Get stronger. These three lines sum it all up. Fifty seven pages long, the eBook meticulously details strength training techniques that are suitable for people of different age groups and genders. The book begins with an intro of the program, goes into the details of the equipments you’d need, and then delves into the details. If you’re serious about getting more healthier and fit, read this eBook.
5. Thriving on Less
Leo’s eBook is all about eliminating the unwanted and bringing simplicity to your life. On how you can lead a frugal life that costs a little. Here’s a gist of the eBook’s content: the chapter list ranges from changing your spending habits, a guide on getting out of debt and making financial changes to your lifestyle. In his true style, Leo Babauta gives practical tips that will definitely benefit anyone who reads the book.
6. 30 eBooks on Personal Finance
Freebiefied wanted to list the best eBook on personal finance here, but our friends at the Mint Blog had already done it. Most of the eBooks mentioned are thorough reads. Credit Reports? Covered. Saving and Investing? Covered. Mortgages? Check. Retirement planning? Yeah, it’s there. Check out the long list here and don’t forget to bookmark it. You may need it anytime!
7. The Photoshop Anthology
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Update: This book isn’t free, we just learnt. You can only see a preview for free. To view the full book, you need to order it. Thanks for the guys who pointed it out!
We thought we’ve covered the tech side enough. But we couldn’t resist mentioning this eBook from Sitepoint. If you’re thinking of arming yourself with some good Photoshop skills, make sure you read this eBook from top to bottom. Website mockups, photograph touch ups, menu designing – they’re all covered. In addition, you get the .PSD files of all the projects mentioned in the book so you can work on them at your leisure. Don’t overlook this eBook if you’re looking at web designing/photo editing as a career later.
8. Project Gutenberg
30,000 eBooks. Thirty thousand of them. The project includes that many public domain books. Classics and all. We’ll leave it for Wikipedia to explain Project Gutenberg.
To reiterate, this list not exhaustive by any means. That wasn’t our aim. We wanted to highlight some of the best free eBooks online – not too much of tech, not too much on single topic but a little bit of everything that anyone can read, learn and enjoy.
If you’ve got suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below. We’re all ears! Just make sure that the eBooks you’re suggesting are free.
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