How to read an ACSM file on Linux?

So, I needed the Semantics Engineering with PLT Redex textbook to complete a homework assignment this week. I needed it in a digital format because I'm going to POPL 2016 tomorrow and I can't have it delivered to me. Hence, I paid $50 for the eBook so that I could complete my homework.

The problem is that I'm using Arch Linux and for some reason Adobe Digital Editions doesn't work for me. During installation it said that it might not work on a 64-bit system. Anyway, I tried to find an alternative solution and I learned that I could read the book using Bluefire Reader on my phone.

And it worked. I can read the book, but I don't want to read the book on my little phone screen. So, I transferred the PDF file that Bluefire Reader downloaded to my laptop in hopes that I could open it using a simple PDF reader. Then I double click on the PDF file with a smirk on my face... and it asks me for a password.

I hope you can understand my frustration. All I want to do is read the book that I legally purchased on my laptop so that I can complete my homework and get on with my life. I tried using other eBook readers like Calibre but it requires that I convert my ACSM file to EPUB using Adobe Digital Editions (which doesn't work for me). What other alternatives do I have?

Aadit M Shah

Posted 2016-01-17T17:22:34.443

Reputation: 419

You could boot to an android x86 usb and read it there, or install an android vm. – geek1011 – 2017-02-02T16:52:06.630

Another thing which probably would not work, but it is worth a try is https://archon-runtime.github.io/ or ARC welder from Google

– geek1011 – 2017-02-02T16:53:57.830

3You can't "convert" an ACSM to EPUB - the ACSM ist just a tiny XML file basically containing a download link for the (probably DRM-protected) file. The fine print also states you did not "purchase" the book, but only a license to read it on the specific platforms on which you can use your ADE login. The only way would to download it on a system on which your ADE works, and then maybe to strip the DRM protection. – jvb – 2017-05-12T07:08:05.127

@jvb That's not true, it can be done, relatively easily, but I don't think we are allowed to show the way here. – Quidam – 2017-09-12T08:28:09.280

1@Quidam: I know it's theoretically possible that a conversion method could be used for illegal purposes, but that's not what this question is asking. I have a similar situation where I have purchased a book that I'd like to remove the encryption on. I, for one, would like to see the "relatively easy" method listed here as one of the answers. – hackerb9 – 2018-04-14T02:19:41.160

Answers

I will try to list all the solutions I've found.

First one. Tested solution: working, and very easy.

First install Wine on your Linux. Then download Adobe Digital editions. Link to download Adobe Digital editions

Then, install the file you dowloaded from Adobe (It was ADE_4.5_Installer.exe, for me), in the Wine virtual Window. If you don't know how to use wine, see this doc: How to install and use Wine on Linux

Second solution:

Install a virtual Windows on Linux. How to.

Third solution: If you failed to install virtual machine or open with Wine, and if you really need this program, install a dual boot on your computer Windows/Linux. How to dual boot Windows/linux on the same computer

4th solution, use a virtual Android phone (or a real one) and install the Adobe Digital editions for Android. Virtual smartphone software, Memu

You can also try to emulate MacOs, or iOS.

There are solutions to remove the DRM, and so convert the acsm into epub, but there are no legal, so I don't think I'm allowed to write them.

Quidam

Posted 2016-01-17T17:22:34.443

Reputation: 214

4As all listed "solutions" require installing the ADE software (on different operating systems), and downloading the ePub via ADE with an operational ADE user account... how come you are claiming my comment above to be "not true"? – jvb – 2017-09-12T11:13:26.163

1You seem very susceptible. I was saying "no" to "you can't convert ASCM". I should have say "I disagree" instead of "untrue", but English is not my language. Anyway, it doesn't desserve a downvote from you. Why people seek revenge here rather than peace and communication? It's only replying to a comment to tell my opinion, I didn't kill you nor downvoted you. – Quidam – 2017-09-18T08:47:31.110

"The problem is that I'm using Arch Linux and for some reason Adobe Digital Editions doesn't work for me. During installation it said that it might not work on a 64-bit system." Your solution does not work for the user, as they already said. – Adriano Varoli Piazza – 2018-06-01T17:55:36.863

.acsm can only be used with Adobe Digital Editions and stands for Adobe Content Server Manager.

For more information about Adobe Digital Editions please see http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/faq/

Side note (may not be generally applicable to Digital Editions users): Stated in the agreement (may be of concern in making a program to access .acsm ) for Adobe Content Server section 11.1 you agree not to:

(d) obtain or attempt to obtain any materials or Information through any means > not intentionally made available through the Services;

Interpret this as you will, I will not give you illegal advice.

Alexscended

Posted 2016-01-17T17:22:34.443

Reputation: 41

5Then they should have made a version for Linux – Rob Romijnders – 2018-10-21T19:48:38.560