eBook Reading Software

eBook reading software is a program, application, or "app" that lets you open and view ebooks. Whether reading ebooks on your computer, eReader, phone, or tablet, an ebook has to be opened in a program or app just like any other digital file. This page lists some of the most popular ebook reading software available today and tells you where to get it and what type of device it can be used on.

 

Adobe Digital Editions

Download location: Download Adobe Digital Editions

Use this app on: Use this program to download ebooks to Windows and Mac computers. Once you have the ebook downloaded, you can use Adobe Digital Editions to transfer the ebook to your eReader device.

Where to get instructions: This page has instructions for using Adobe Digital Editions for your ebook downloads, including authorization and transferring to your eReader

Where to get eBooks for this software: Adobe's DRM system for ebooks is supported at eBookMall. They also have non-DRM ebooks. Choose from: ePub, ePub (Adobe DRM), PDF, PDF (Adobe DRM)

 

Aldiko Book Reader

Download location: Download Aldiko Book Reader

Use this app on: Aldiko is for Android devices, including smartphones and tablets

Where to get instructions: This page has excellent step-by-step instructions for installing Aldiko, authorizing it with your Adobe ID, and transferring ebooks to your device.

Where to get eBooks for this software: Aldiko supports ePub, ePub (with Adobe DRM), PDF, PDF (with Adobe DRM)

 

Bluefire Reader

Download location: Download Bluefire Reader

Use this app on: iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch

Where to get instructions: This page has excellent step-by-step instructions for installing Bluefire Reader, authorizing it with your Adobe ID, and transferring ebooks to your device.

Where to get eBooks for this software:  Bluefire Reader supports ePub, ePub (with Adobe DRM), PDF, PDF (with Adobe DRM)

 

Microsoft Reader

Download location: Download Microsoft Reader

Use this app on: Windows, Windows Mobile, Pocket PC 2002

Where to get instructions: Microsoft Reader ebooks at eBookMall with help and instructions

Where to get eBooks for this software: Microsoft Reader ebooks

Update: Microsoft has announced that they are no longer going to be offering Microsoft Reader. From their website:

Microsoft is discontinuing Microsoft Reader effective August 30, 2012, which includes download access of the Microsoft Reader application from the Microsoft Reader website. However, customers may continue to use and access the Microsoft Reader application and any .lit materials on their PCs or devices after the discontinuation on August 30, 2012. New content for purchase from retailers in the .lit format will be discontinued on November 8, 2011.

 

Mobipocket Reader

Download location: Download Mobipocket Reader

Use this app on: Windows, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Palm OS, webOS, Java ME, BlackBerry, Psion, Kindle, iLiad, and Kindle (only non-secured ebooks on Kindle)

Where to get instructions: Mobipocket ebooks and instructions at eBookMall

Where to get eBooks for this software: Mobipocket eBooks

Update: It appears that this app is becoming obsolete. Amazon bought Mobipocket in 2005 and used the technology in the creation of their Kindle software. There is a rumor that they will discontinue Mobipocket in January of 2012.

 

More resources

Top 5 Android eBook Apps

Top 5 iPad and iPhone eBook Apps