Help - Basics - Microsoft Reader
What is Microsoft Reader with ClearType?
Microsoft Reader is a free software application that enables extended, comfortable reading of ebooks and other long documents on your desktop or laptop computer, or Pocket PC 2002 device. Microsoft Reader is designed to deliver an on-screen reading experience that approaches the convenience and quality of paper. It enhances the reading experience with interactive capabilities such as bookmarks, notes, highlighting, and search functions. The first product to include patented ClearType display technology, Microsoft Reader improves resolution on LCD screens by up to 300 percent to deliver a print-like display. Paying strict attention to the traditions of good typography, the reader offers a clean, uncluttered layout; ample margins; proper spacing; leading and kerning; as well as powerful tools for marking, highlighting, and annotating your ebooks.
Back to top
What are the features of Microsoft Reader?
- ClearType™ display technology brings the look and feel of high-resolution printing to on-screen reading.
- The Encarta® Pocket dictionary allows you to look up definitions as you read. Click here to download the Encarta Pocket Dictionary for free from the Microsoft Reader download page.
- Store all your ebooks in the Microsoft Reader Library where you can organize the ebooks in several ways.
- Add bookmarks to your ebooks.
- Highlight a word or passage with the stroke of your mouse.
- Add notes to your ebooks to use when researching or studying.
- Search for a word or phrase throughout the entire text quickly and easily.
- Adjust the font size of your ebooks to create large print editions instantly.
- Select from a dozen colors to circle words, underline text, or add any other type of mark to a page.
- Microsoft Reader keeps track of all the annotations you make, including bookmarks, highlighting, notes, and drawings.
Back to top
How can I get a copy of Microsoft Reader?
Microsoft Reader is a free download available from Microsoft.com. To review system requirements and download instructions, click here.
Back to top
How much does Microsoft Reader cost?
Microsoft Reader is a free download.
Back to top
On what platforms does Microsoft Reader run?
Microsoft Reader runs on:
- Microsoft Windows® XP
- Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
- Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)
- Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME)
- Microsoft Windows NT® 4.0
Additional system requirements for Microsoft Reader are as follows:
- Pentium 75 or higher microprocessor
- 16 MB of RAM
- Approximately 19 MB of available hard-disk space (Microsoft Reader is approximately 4 MB but additional space is required for installation)
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 with Service Pack 1 or later
- VGA or higher resolution monitor/video card capable of displaying 16 bit color
- Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device
Back to top
Are there versions of Microsoft Reader for the Macintosh, Palm, or Linux operating systems?
Microsoft has not announced plans to develop versions of Microsoft Reader for other platforms at this time.
Back to top
On what kinds of devices can I read Microsoft Reader ebooks?
You can read Microsoft eBooks on desktop and laptop PCs, Tablet PCs, and many Pocket PCs.
Back to top
Which Pocket PCs support Microsoft Reader?
Microsoft Reader 2.0 is preinstalled on most Pocket PC devices, and you can activate and read digital rights management-protected (DRM-protected) ebooks on these devices.
Early versions of the Pocket PC (in general, those purchased before September 1st, 2001) feature Microsoft Reader 1.0 for the Pocket PC, which does not support activation and therefore cannot read DRM-protected ebooks.
Back to top
What is activation and why do I have to activate Microsoft Reader in order to read certain ebooks?
Activation is a one-time process that allows you to enjoy digital rights management-protected (DRM-protected) content packaged for secure distribution.
Once you activate Microsoft Reader, you will be able to purchase and download DRM-protected eBooks in the Microsoft Reader format. For more information about activation, click here.
Back to top
Why is a Microsoft Passport required?
Your Microsoft Passport account establishes your identity in the activation process, which enables you to read DRM-protected ebooks on the computer or device you are using. If you do not have a Microsoft Passport account, click here.
Back to top
How many copies of Microsoft Reader can I activate?
You may activate Microsoft Reader on up to eight different computers or devices using the same Microsoft Passport account. However, certain actions (such as reformatting your hard drive or resetting a Pocket PC) will require you to reactivate. Each reactivation counts toward the eight-activation limit.
You can activate more copies of Microsoft Reader if you use a different Passport account. However, if you purchase an ebook on a computer that you activated Microsoft Reader with the first Passport account, you will not be able to read that ebook on a computer on which Microsoft Reader was activated using your second Passport account.
Back to top
