- This topic has 12 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated Jan 22-12:32 am by Vincent17.
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Vincent17
My library uses Overdrive to provide ebooks and audiobooks. Since 2020, I have read a lot on my old netbook. I was happily using Libbyapp, a reader from Overdrive, until early 2021 when the app suddenly started using excessive processor, causing my netbook to get hot. Even if I sit on one page of the book, the processor remains above 50%. I tested several browsers, no improvement. Eventually I discovered read.overdrive.com, which provides the same content with nearly the same interface yet settles at 1% cpu. Now, in early 2023 they have announced that read.overdrive.com will be discontinued.
I wrote Overdrive and tried to make the case to keep the app so people can continue to use older equipment and help reduce ewaste. As I expected, I got a canned response telling me I’m gonna love Libby. I will live with it, keeping one eye on the cpu temperature.
I just wanted to vent to a sympathetic audience and ask if anyone has any idea what Libby might be doing with my cpu when it’s displaying an unchanging page of print.
System: Host: antix1 Kernel: 4.9.0-279-antix.1-486-smp i686 bits: 32 Desktop: JWM 2.4.0 Distro: antiX-21_386-base Grup Yorum 31 October 2021 Machine: Type: Desktop System: MICRO-STAR product: U-100 v: Ver.001 serial: <superuser required> Mobo: MICRO-STAR model: U-100 v: Ver.001 serial: <superuser required> BIOS: American Megatrends v: 4.6.3 date: 10/06/2008 Battery: ID-1: BAT1 charge: 15.3 Wh (86.4%) condition: 17.7/24.4 Wh (72.5%) CPU: Info: Single Core Intel Atom N270 [MT] speed: 800 MHz min/max: 800/1600 MHz Browser: Firefox 106.0.2 (32-bit) Other browsers tried with Libbyapp: seamonkey, palemoon, surf, otter, falkon, epiphany, ungoogled-chromium. All of them were as bad or worse.Robin
The reason for high cpu load up to 100% is probably as always: this overdrive libby thing is not a dedicated program, but an app running within a browser. This concept is known to be the reason for high cpu load on weak machines. Simply don’t use browsers to run apps on these. Use dedicated programs for the tasks instead. E.g. run pdf viewer program to read pdf files, ebook reader programs to read ebooks, use video player program instead of trying to run a video or a live stream in browsers, use audio player program instead of listening audio in browser. A browser is not a tool designed to run all these tasks efficently in. It is always a poor makeshift only.
Overdrive is a closed universe, libby a piece of proprietary closed source software. So single thing what you can do is: file a true bug report to their product support, complaining about their program is not working for you. They are the only ones who can answer properly what is wrong with their product causing 100% CPU load on your device.
Windows is like a submarine. Open a window and serious problems will start.
Xunzi_23
Hi Vincent*
sorry, I am unable to test as i can not access an appropriate Library.According to libby website you can download and read your ebooks offline, that
may reduce system load to a more sensible level.
Again depending on how downloaded ebooks are localy stored.
if unencrypted and in a widespread format you have a reasonable chance to use a
different, standalone reader.Robin and Xunzi_23, thanks for the interesting ideas.
The reason for high cpu load up to 100% is probably as always: this overdrive libby thing is not a dedicated program, but an app running within a browser. …Use dedicated programs for the tasks instead.
It appears that they seldom let you download content to read locally. These are the options for one book:
Manage loan/Read With…/
Libby Kindle
Other ways to read
EPUB: Download a DRM file that will open in Adobe Digital Editions, for sending to compatible devices
PDF: Not available for this title
Media Do: Not available for this titleI don’t own a kindle, not that I haven’t been tempted. I have never found pdf to be available–maybe it’s only for material out of copyright. The epub download appears to be just a key to access content from Adobe.
There is currently no way to download a legally purchased epub without Digital Editions and it is difficult or impossible to get it to run on Linux. (2020)
To install Adobe Digital Editions on Linux, you will need to first install Adobe AIR…available for free from Adobe’s website.(2022) But, Adobe dropped AIR in 2020; their archive offers only Windows and Mac versions.
I’ll keep looking. Thanks again.
andyprough
I just use an old android tablet for reading and listening to things from the library. The android Overdrive apps usually work well, and the small tablet form is comfortable for reading and listening. Anytime I’ve tried to use proprietary streaming media apps like that on a computer, my experience is that it’s just a matter of time before they became unworkable for one reason or another, including super high CPU usage. You could probably find a used android tablet for free or $10 or something. You can put the Netguard firewall app on the tablet and it won’t allow any other app to access the network unless you specifically allow it.
For all,
Netguard from playstore is limited in function. No ad blocking.
You can download directly from developers page at
https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard
Or F Droid app store.The application is excellent and well worth donating to the dev or purchasing
pro version. Yes, I have purchased Pro more than once without giving google
30% due not using google play/scammers paradise store.It is worth it.
stevesr0
Hi Vincent17,
I just looked for the Overdrive Read thing and the page (https://help.overdrive.com/en-us/0372.html) offering it still exists. Is this the same thing you are saying is being discontinued?
On my oldish dual core laptop, as the book I selected (the Philip Pullman TRILOGY) loaded from the library, it was using a LOT of CPU. After loading that seemed to drop down even while I changed pages.
stevesr0
You could probably find a used android tablet for free or $10
Good idea, but I’m being stubborn here >:)
I just looked for the Overdrive Read thing and the page (https://help.overdrive.com/en-us/0372.html) offering it still exists. Is this the same thing you are saying is being discontinued?
Hi Vincent17,
The Overdrive Read I linked to involves using the browser, not a separate app. As I stated in my first post, that seems to work with books that are offered in the “Read” format. On my old system, the CPU usage went up while the book was downloaded, then went down to a relatively small amount while reading.
stevesr0
Hi stevesr0,
I’m sorry I was unclear. They call everything “app”. https://###.read.overdrive.com/### works as you describe. I access it through my library website via an “Access this item” button. Libbyapp.com is the one that uses high cpu constantly. Robin described it as an app running within a browser; I haven’t installed anything, I just open the libbyapp link.Overdrive support sent me this:
For more information about the discontinuation of the OverDrive app, visit our Upgrade to Libby page. https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/switchtolibby
PPC
It appears that they seldom let you download content to read locally. These are the options for one book:
Manage loan/Read With…/
Libby KindleSince Kindle is an option, you can try Kindle Cloud Reader ( https://read.amazon.com/notebook ). Create a free account and then try to use it to access the e-book.
Another option:
If you own a smartphone, you can install the Kindle App – it’s not open source, but it’s free and requires only a free amazon account. Most smart phones are the size of a small pocket book – and you can enlarge the fonts, making them easier to read. Note: I read a lot, on my phone, with black background and white letters, to reduce eye strain…P.
rokytnji
Already in antiX if you want to use it
https://www.howtogeek.com/539829/how-to-transfer-any-ebook-to-kindle-using-calibre/
https://calibre-ebook.com/help
harry@shop:~ $ apt-cache policy calibre calibre: Installed: 5.12.0+dfsg-1+deb11u1 Candidate: 5.12.0+dfsg-1+deb11u1 Version table: *** 5.12.0+dfsg-1+deb11u1 500 500 http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian bullseye/main amd64 Packages 500 http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian bullseye/main i386 Packages 100 /var/lib/dpkg/statusSometimes I drive a crooked road to get my mind straight.
Not all who Wander are Lost.
I'm not outa place. I'm from outer space.Linux Registered User # 475019
How to Search for AntiX solutions to your problemsThanks, PPC, I was able to send library books to the kindle cloud reader. Cpu is 50% or so while turning pages, ~5% while on a page, a big improvement over Libbyapp.
rokytnji, I looked at Calibre as a possible way to read downloaded ebooks in mobi format, but my library doesn’t allow the download. Thanks anyway.
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