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.
Look 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.
Download 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.
Download 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.
Double-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.