Hi Professoredith,
The file type for eBooks is often either EPUB or BBeB (I think most, if not all of the free books from Sony may be BBeB Books). Either way, these formats are not understood by Microsoft Word.
If you want to read them on your PC, you will need to download and install the "Reader Library" software if you have not already done so (a link to the software download is below).
http://support.sony-europe.com/computing/prs/prs.aspx?site=odw_en_GB&m=PRS-650
You can then import your downloaded free eBooks in to the library in the Reader Library software by choosing 'File' in the top menu and then selecting 'Import Files' (navigate to the location where you saved your downloaded eBooks).
Once the eBooks are in your library you can read them by double clicking the title you wish in the list of books.
Hope this helps.
