You want to download an eBook to a compatible smartphone or tablet.You are downloading to a UGA computer.You will not need to download Adobe Digital Editions if: You want to read an eBook on a compatible eReader (like Nook or Kobo).You want to read an eBook on a compatible computer.You will need to download Adobe Digital Editions if: Basically what it does is help you get the eBook onto a device (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc) and automatically 'returns' it for you at the end of your checkout period. Adobe Digital Editions is a free software used for Digital Rights Management of eBooks.