With the advent of the computer era, books have repeatedly predicted sunset and non-existence. But even despite the fact that modern technologies are firmly entrenched in our everyday life, books both lived and live to this day, and they are not going to leave, in general.
The only thing that has changed is the medium itself, where instead of the usual paper folios, we leaf through their electronic versions. The advantages in this modification are very significant. If you had to sort through books on the shelves before, now millions of copies are available on the screen, and in a matter of seconds.
Of course, conservative aesthetes look at this state of affairs through their prism, preferring natural pages that smell of their stories to cold and “digital”, but sometimes they would not mind to sin if they did not have a fresh volume of their beloved writer at hand.
The only problem that a reader may have is a variety of formats, as well as the correct visualization of a work he likes on a monitor screen. The solution here is the so-called reader program for the computer, which decodes the book and presents everything in the best possible way. We will talk about the best representatives of this fraternity in this article.
So, we present to your attention the most popular computer readers, distinguished by their high-quality component and recognition by users around the world. All software is available without restrictions, and it can be easily downloaded from the official resources of the developers.
Cool reader
This is one of the best free readers for your computer. A similar solution is also available for the Android and iOS platforms. The program supports both basic formats like FB2, TXT and DOC, as well as more rare ones like WEBp and IRF.
In the reader interface for a computer, you can adjust the screen brightness, saturation and font size, as well as select the background color. There are tons of options, so even the most fastidious users will find the right solution.
Among other things, there is a function of automatically turning pages at a predetermined interval. If it does not suit you, then you can configure scrolling by assigning a key or tap (for touch monitors). You can read or read the book directly from the archive without additional unpacking. For fans to listen to books there is a version of the voice reader for the computer with the prefix "2" - Cool Reader 2.
The software comes with a free distribution license, but for those who want to expand the design part, there are paid add-ons that are responsible for the appearance and add even more fonts.
ALReader
Another no less popular computer reader for Windows 7, 8 or 10. There is a version for Linux admirers as well, but it is not stable, so you cannot definitely recommend it to a “penguin”.
The reader for the computer is simply a huge number of various settings. You can disappear in them for a good hour, but then set everything up for yourself in the best possible way. The software is practically “omnivorous” and even able to read such rare exotics as the ODT, RB and IRF formats. A good half of users rightly call ALReader a reader of all formats for a computer.
We should also mention visualization. The developer worked so carefully and carefully with it that the reader sometimes catches himself with the thought that before him is a really opened book printed on specific paper. It is also worth noting that the program received competent localization, so there should not be problems with numerous menu branches and tips.
Fbreader
This is a cross-platform Russian reader for the computer, where the user is given the opportunity to get acquainted with books from almost any source. The utility is very popular not only among ordinary readers, but also those involved in the layout of text content for different platforms.
One of the significant advantages of this computer reader is its simplicity. The interface, as well as the menu branches are intuitive and any newcomer will understand the settings. Separately, it is worth mentioning the competent sorting of content. Here it is implemented just perfectly - everything is in its place, and if there is a need, you can set all the necessary parameters for the filter yourself.
The only drawback that a good half of users complain about is the lack of a two-page mode. It is better for owners of large monitors (starting at 27 inches) to look at another option, because the sheet will either be disproportionately large or strong light will appear at the edges of the page.
Adobe reader
This is a highly specialized product from a reputable developer. Users call the program a PDF reader for the computer. She is not so good friends with other popular formats, but she fully discloses her own and native. All the features, and there are so many of them in the PDF layout, will be realized in all its glory.
Here we are talking about full-fledged versions of electronic magazines and other publications where serious support for the graphic component is required. The program will “digest” any PDF format and visualize it as the creator of a book or magazine intended.
The product is delivered either as a bonus to the main software package (Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator), or by itself, but in any case you will have to pay for it.
DjVuViwer
DJVU format can be called a direct competitor to PDF-layout. Due to the more modern and innovative compression code, DJVU files take up significantly less space on your hard drive, and they also open faster.
There are a lot of programs for reading this format, but the most popular and judging by the user reviews the most effective is DjVuViwer. The utility very quickly opens files, has an understandable and not at all confusing menu, and also allows you to scroll all pages at once, and not just a couple, as happens in other solutions. In addition to DJVU files, the software works with other popular formats like FB2, DOC and RTF.
Explanatory visualization allows you to work not only with books, but also to study drawings, specifications and some other materials.
ICE Book Reader Professional
Among other competing analogues, this solution not just has the prefix "Professional". The features of the program, or rather the whole reading complex are really chic. The versatility of the software is simply amazing and with its help you can not only read a book, but also do it with the greatest possible comfort.
The whole complex can be divided into two parts - the reader and the library itself. Two modes are available for reading to the user - one- or two-page, which is very convenient for owners of monitors with a large diagonal. Each mode has its own distinctive features and settings. A sensible master assistant will help you get acquainted with all the features of the program, which will guide you step by step through all the hot spots. The rapid development of the utility is also largely due to competent localization.
As for the library, here we have the perfect order and excellent presets for filtering. And the first and second can be adjusted to create your own book world with its own laws. There are more than enough tools for this.
Reader Features
In addition, the program remembers all the user's personal settings and the next time you turn on you will find a familiar order, not some mess that needs to be re-configured. The advantages of the utility can also be written "omnivorous." She reads everything and everything, starting with a specific FB2 and ending with any exotic type such as ODT, RB or IRF. If the program’s arsenal doesn’t contain any freshly baked codec, then on the official website of the developer you can issue a special request by filling in the appropriate fields, and with the next update everything will be determined and read.
Such chic functionality simply cannot be free, so the product is distributed under a paid license. The developer provides a trial period for those wishing to familiarize themselves with the reader, after which it will be necessary to either remove the program or pay for it.
STDU Viewer
This is a simple reader with a very simple and not very attractive interface. Despite the plain appearance, it has good functionality with a lot of settings. Along with good features, the product is completely free, so it is very popular among many users.
One of the notable features of the reader is the presence of a duplicate page on several tabs. This solution allows you to simultaneously open multiple books and keep the right information at hand.
Another undeniable advantage of the program is the support of all popular literary formats, as well as specific PDF files. The last moment will especially please those who do not want to splurge on the far from cheap product from Adobe.
Summarizing
The choice of such programs is comparable to the choice of the same books. It all depends on the personal preferences of the user. Some people like the usual visualization of the office Word, someone cannot live without turning over the yellow sheets, and some do not care at all, only in black and white.
Each program has its own advantages, which will be important for an individual user. Therefore, advising something specific is very difficult. One thing is for sure: all the products listed above do their job well and will delight you with unforgettable evenings spent at your favorite books.