eBook Formats

All formats can be read using free software. All but the Adobe Reader do a good job of mimicking the pages in a paperback book and most will allow the operator to change the size of the text. Adobe's PDF format does the best job of maintaining the original intent of the author as to placement of items on the page (graphics, text wrapping, and such), but it doesn't allow text re-sizing.

Adobe Reader (pdf)

Used for Adobe Reader. Best reproduction of the original intent of the author, but largest file. Acrobat cannot bookmark the last page you read.

Adobe Digital Reader is an add-on to the standard Adobe Reader that allows an eBook to be read like a real book, including bookmarking capabilities.

ePub

An attempt to create a standard for the industry. Works on Sony's new eBook reader, Adobe Digital Editions, FB Reader (Linux), Lexcycle Stanza, MobiPocket, and several Mozilla platforms (including Openberg Lector, Book Glutton, and Okular).

Kindle (prc)

Works with Amazon's Kindle hand-held reader (not free).

Microsoft Reader (lit)

A popular format for Microsoft's Reader software that can run on current Microsoft Windows versions.

Mobipocket Reader (prc)

Works on a very wide selection of platforms including Windows, Blackberry, PocketPC, Smartphone and a number of others.

Click here for a more extensive discussion of the readers and links to software download sites.