Microsoft Reader is a Microsoft program for reading of e-books.

Microsoft Reader is available for download from Microsoft as a free program. It was originally released in August 2000. It is more useful 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, your most recent page 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.

Copy protection

A user is allowed to read books only on MS Reader which is tied to thier Passport account, and a user can only activate six MS reader installations to the user's account. After that the user has to send in a request to Microsoft and ask for the possibility to activate a new computer.

If a user does not activate your MS reader he or she will not be able to read secured books. Unsecured books can be read in an unactivated installation.

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.

External links

• Official website
• Microsoft Reader 2.6
• Read in Microsoft Reader addon for Microsoft Word: create your own ebooks
• International Digital Publishing Forum
• Microsoft Reader 2.1.1 Portable
• Link needed for Linux/Unix based .chm readers
• Link needed for Apple based .chm readers