Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98 platforms, Microsoft Windows NT4 SP6, Microsoft Windows 2000 platforms, Microsoft Windows XP, and Microsoft Windows Me.
Processor: Pentium 75 or higher microprocessor
Memory: 16 MB RAM
Hard Disk: Approximately 19 MB free hard drive space (Microsoft Reader is 3.6 MB, but additional hard disk space is required for installation)
Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 with Service Pack 1 or higher

MS Reader for Pocket PC

Operating System: Pocket PC 2002 / 2003
Memory: 2.236 MB free RAM
Additional Software: Microsoft ActiveSync 3.5 or later

MS Reader for Tablet PC

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition - Microsoft Reader for Tablet PC will not work on any other operating system or device.

Many publishers require powerful copy protection for their eBook titles. In order for you to be able to purchase and download eBook titles that have been secured for distribution, you first need to activate your Microsoft Reader. Just as a credit card typically must be activated by a bank before use, your Microsoft Reader needs to be activated before you can purchase and read eBooks packaged for secure distribution.

Microsoft Reader requires Internet Explorer 4.01 or later be installed on the user's PC or laptop, but the user is not required to use Internet Explorer as his or her browser. (Netscape, for example, can be used as the browser and Microsoft Reader will continue to function normally.) Microsoft Reader takes advantage of some of the underlying components within IE during activation and provides the integrated bookstore directory.