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Frequently asked questions
How FreeTechBooks works, how the books are verified, and what to do when a link is broken.
Short answers to the questions we receive most often about the catalog, the licenses and the rescue project.
Using the catalog
Are the books really free?
Yes. Every title listed here is legally available at no cost, either as an open-access textbook, a Creative Commons work, a public-domain book or a free online edition published by its author or publisher. The license is recorded on each book page. Free to read is not always free to reuse, so check the license before sharing or remixing a book.
Do I need an account or a subscription?
No. FreeTechBooks does not require registration. It hosts selected open-licensed PDFs; for other titles, the read button takes you to the source that hosts the book.
Why do some links open an archived page?
Some books were removed from their original host after we recorded them. When an archived copy exists, we link to it as a fallback. The book page still shows the original source and the date of the record.
Can I download a PDF?
Many books offer a PDF; some are HTML-only or read online. When the license allows redistribution, FreeTechBooks hosts the PDF directly. For other titles, the book page uses the source’s own download or read link.
How do I find a book for my level?
Use the category and document-type filters. Textbooks and lecture notes are usually course-oriented; handbooks and tutorials are more practical. The description and the publication year also help. If you are unsure, start with a curated collection.
About the project
What happened to freetechbooks.com?
The original domain went offline in 2026. We recovered its bibliographic records and links from public web archives and rebuilt the catalog as freetechbooks.org. The new site keeps the original categories and adds better search, filters and directories.
Is this the official successor?
It is an independent rescue project, not a continuation by the original owners. We say so plainly because the distinction matters. The catalog is reconstructed from public records, and we correct errors when readers report them.
How can I suggest a book or report a problem?
Use the suggest a book page for new titles and the contact page for corrections or broken links. We verify every suggestion before adding it.
Licenses and reuse
Can I use a book in my course?
That depends on the license. A Creative Commons Attribution license usually allows course use with attribution; a NonCommercial or NoDerivatives license adds restrictions. Read the license linked on the book page and, when in doubt, contact the author or publisher.
Do you own the books?
No. The books remain the property of their authors and publishers. FreeTechBooks describes them, hosts selected open-licensed PDFs and links to the source for the rest. If you are a rights holder and believe a record is wrong, contact us and we will review it.