Technology does not stand still and many previously familiar things have changed dramatically. We have long since stopped printing photographs on paper and it is extremely rare to pick up paper books. All this is much more convenient and practical to store electronically.
A variety of books stored in libraries around the world easily fit on the hard drive of a conventional computer. But to read them you will need special software, because text editors are not the best suited for these purposes.
So, we present to your attention a review of programs for reading books, which included the most popular applications, distinguished by their effectiveness and a large number of positive reviews from users. We will consider solutions for the Windows and Mac operating systems.
The best readers for Windows
Here we have just a huge selection of all kinds of applications of this kind. Getting lost in all this diversity is very easy. So you should pay attention to the list below. You can download the designated software on the official resources of the developers, so there should be no problems with testing.
Cool reader
Judging by user reviews, Cool Reader is the best computer-based book reader for the Windows operating system. It has been installed in more than half of bibliophiles, and the responses about it are completely positive.
Cool Reader works in Windows 7, 8 and 10, and equally well and without any lags. No problems with installation or usability were noticed by users. Despite the fact that the developer has stopped supporting Cool Reader for Windows 7, on this already outdated OS, it works as stable as on newer versions of Windows.
The utility supports all popular formats in this area: TXT, DOC, FB2, RTF, EPUB, as well as the web layout of browsers. The functionality of one of the best programs for reading books on a computer allows you to adjust the brightness of the font and background in wide ranges. There are also tools for automatic page turning and the ability to open books directly from the archive.
ALReader
Many users consider ALReader the best program for reading books on a computer and leave only positive reviews about it. The utility is perfect for working with most electronic tomes.
Readers ALReader has flexible settings and a huge number of supported formats, ranging from the most popular - FB2, DOC and TXT to exotic ones like ODT and AZW. It is also worth noting the very friendly interface of the utility, which even a beginner will understand with this matter.
All these qualities allowed ALReader to become one of the most popular programs for reading books on a computer. Users also note a very beautiful and convenient working area of the utility. It looks like a real book: yellow pages, a specific typographic font and the corresponding frame.
Fbreader
FBReader is a cross-platform free reader that also appealed to many users. Reviews about it are mostly positive and users do not note any serious flaws. As for FBReader for Windows, here we have a very simple interface with all the necessary tools on the top panel.
The book works with a large number of popular formats, and adapts them to your work area as it should - without breaking paragraphs, pictures and more. But first of all, as the name implies, this is a program for reading books in FB2 format. There is never a problem with the latter; with it, the utility works especially well - quickly and clearly.
The local library is more than adequate. There is no need to add books to it. At the first start, the utility scans your media and carefully sortes everything into shelves. Custom filters, of course, can be manually configured: author, date, volume, genre, etc.
DjVuViwer
Another interesting utility, which is also considered the best program for reading books on a computer. Recently, a specific DJVU format is gaining popularity. It typeset in about the same way as the world-famous PDF. Files of such a plan are much easier to find and download than the same PDF.
DJVU files take up much less space with almost the same output. There are many programs that can read this format, but DjVuViwer is considered the best. The utility has a high speed, including when opening voluminous files. In addition, the bookmark system is very conveniently implemented here. Thanks to competent local functionality, you will always find the place where you finished reading or made some notes on the pages.
In addition to its native DJVU format, the utility quietly works with other types of files: FB2, DOC, RTF, TXT and others. The abundance of functionality has greatly expanded the menu with related branches, so some users complain about the high entry threshold. Nevertheless, you can figure out the reader’s capabilities quite quickly, thanks to an intelligent help system, where all the nuances are described in detail, and most importantly in an accessible language.
Adobe reader
This serious utility from a well-known software developer is aimed primarily at working with a specific PDF format. In this she has no equal. It fully reveals all the possibilities of this expansion, of which there are a lot.
This format is distinguished by an amazing visual component, where even flash content is available. In addition to its native PDF-files, the application can read other books: DOC, RTF, TXT and others. Format FB2, alas, the program does not recognize.
Interface Adobe Reader can not be called complicated or confusing. All the main tools are located in the usual places for such software, therefore, as a rule, you do not have to search for something on the branch menu.
It is also worth noting that the program has flexible settings. You can choose any background and font from hundreds offered or load favorite from other applications. Users respond positively about the utility, but the owners of weak PCs remained dissatisfied.
The fact is that Adobe Reader, like other products of this developer, is very demanding on the computer system resources - a video card, RAM and processor. So for those who have a slow reading program, it is better to pay attention to the above applications.
Best Readers for Mas
Apple platforms have never been flexible, such as Windows or Android. The brand pays special attention to the safety of users, therefore, does not allow the so-called liberties, which allow you to twist the code as you like. Despite this, developers, and at the same time, there are enough products for Mac. They are noticeably smaller than for the same Windows, but there are plenty to choose from.
Bookmate
Bookmate is a whole service for reading electronic tomes. Many fans of Apple products consider it the best of the best. Here we have a simple, convenient and intuitive interface with which a user of any level will understand.
Well-positioned tools make it easy to navigate electronic library shelves: set filters, synchronize with cloud storage, download and buy books, etc. The latter, by the way, are available in a wide assortment at a local store.
The program works with all popular formats, including exotic ones, such as ODT or AZW. Even if there are some difficulties with reading the file, the utility will load the necessary code from the cloud.
The appearance of the reader also appealed to many users. Even if you are not comfortable with desktop presets, you can always customize it at your discretion. The benefit of templates for this abound - for every taste and color.
Caliber
It is also one of the best readers for the Mac platform. Unlike the previous service, this utility has advanced functionality and a pretty decent level of customization. In addition to the usual reading of books, the program uses your PC as a kind of cloud storage.
This approach allows you to store tens of thousands of literary works that will be available from other Mac / iOS devices supporting this platform. It is also worth noting that the program is not at all picky about formats. She is able to read almost any file, and if something goes wrong, then the desired code will be downloaded from the official cloud via the Internet.
As for the program interface, it can be called friendly. Judging by the user reviews, they did not experience any serious usability problems. All necessary tools are located on the top panel and are available at the first click. In any case, the local assistance system is very sensibly organized and will answer all your questions.
Bookreader
BookReader is a relatively simple, but at the same time functional reader for Apple devices. Users respond very warmly to her and consider her one of the best. The utility supports all popular book formats with full compliance with formatting.
Convenient and intuitive interface allows you to immediately start reading. The location of the tools can be called intuitive, so you don’t have to wander around the menu branches. Also, many users were pleased with the visualization. An analogy of the working area can be drawn with ALReader. In addition, it is flexibly customizable. You can set both a modern high-tech style and a classic folio with yellow pages.
The program also allows you to change the size of the text, select one of the dozens of fonts presented and adjust the display brightness. Judging by user reviews, you can spend at least a day with this utility reading your favorite books: your eyes don't get tired of local fonts and backgrounds.