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Microsoft Reader is a Microsoft program for the reading of e-books.
Microsoft Reader is available for download from Microsoft as a free program (only for computers running Windows). It was originally released in August 2000. It can be used on a Pocket PC, where it has been built into the ROM since Windows CE 3.0. Although some of the latest Windows Mobile Devices have not been bundled with it, it is still available to download for the Pocket PC. It uses Cleartype Technology for easy reading on small PDA screens. It displays books in the .LIT file format (The ".LIT" stands for "literature"). This format is based on Microsoft Compressed HTML Help format. These books can be purchased and downloaded from online stores but notably not from Amazon.com.
Among the features of Microsoft Reader are highlighting and doodling/scribbling designed for quick note-taking, text notes and a search function. Other features include finding the last page one was on and a library of all e-books. Depending on the book, there can be a cover image and images throughout the book. The PC version also has an optional plugin for text-to-speech (TTS), enabling books to be read out loud.
[edit] Compatibility
| Operating Systems |
Latest version |
Release Date |
| Windows 95 |
1.5 |
2000-08-08 |
| Windows NT 4.0, 98, 2000, ME |
2.1.1 |
2003-06-26 |
| Windows XP, 2003, Vista (with Origami Experience Pack or Touch Pack), Home Server, 2008 |
2.6 |
2007-07-09 |
| Pocket PC 2000 |
1.0 (in ROM) |
2000-04-19 |
| Pocket PC 2002 |
2.4 |
2005-03-24 |
| Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE, 5.0, 6.0 |
2.4.1 |
2005-11-23 |
[edit] Copy protection
Some of the books accessible by Reader are protected by DRM, and some are not. Reader only allows access to protected books if the user has 'activated' the software by registering it using their Passport account. Only six Reader installations can be activated per account, after which Microsoft requires the user to request further activations.
[edit] Version history
[edit] Desktop
| Version |
Operating systems |
Release date |
Major changes |
| 1.5 |
Windows 95, NT 4, 98, 2000, ME |
2000-08-08 |
- Initial version for desktops
|
| 2.0 |
Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, ME, XP |
2001-10-03 |
- Major overhaul
- Supports premium eBooks
|
| 2.5 |
Windows XP |
2002-06-25 |
|
| 2.1.1 |
Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, ME, XP, 2003 |
2003-06-26 |
|
| 2.6 |
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Vista Ultimate Edition (with Origami Experience Pack or Touch Pack) |
2007-07-09 |
- Audible support for the newer audio formats
- Security and Performance updates
- Origami required
|
[edit] Pocket PC
[edit] Read in Microsoft Reader
| Version |
Operating systems |
Release date |
Major changes |
| 1.1 |
Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, ME, XP |
2001-09-04 |
- Initial version with support for Word 2000 and 2002
|
| 1.1.3 |
Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, ME, XP, 2003, Vista, Home Server, 2008 |
2006-02-21 |
- Conversion support for Word 2003. Supports Word 2000, 2002, and 2003. Not compatible with Office 2007
|
[edit] Software Development Kit
[edit] Text to Speech
[edit] Creating .LIT files
Read in Microsoft Reader is an add-on, available from Microsoft, that can be used in conjunction with Microsoft Word (versions 2000, 2002 and 2003) to create .LIT extension e-books. This software is not fully compatible with Office 2007. It will install, and it appears to run, but it always refuses to create the .LIT file stating issues with the CSS. The only way to create a .LIT file with Word 2007, is to uncheck "Reformat Table of Contents" option, though this will make several style changes and more importantly, changing the Font Size in Microsoft Reader won't work.
ReaderWorks described as a "suite of eBook authoring and conversion tools for creating Microsoft® Reader eBooks" is another option.
[edit] Converting .LIT files into an open format
Tools exist (calibre, Convert LIT, ABC Amber LIT Converter) to convert .LIT files into other formats for use with software or devices not directly compatible with Microsoft Reader.
[edit] External links
