Can One Read Books on a Netbook?
Your netbook is just as functional as any other computer, including the ability to read e-books from a variety of sources. Your biggest limitation is whether your netbook runs Windows or Linux. If you're using a Linux-based netbook, official programs for the Nook and Kindle will not work on your netbook. However, web-based readers will work on any system, and there are e-book management programs available for Linux systems.
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Kindle Cloud Reader
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The Kindle Cloud Reader gives you access to your Kindle books from any computer with a compatible browser, using only your Amazon.com login information. The Kindle Cloud Reader is available for Firefox, Chrome and Safari. The reader even supports offline reading, making it easy to continue a book even if you're without an Internet connection. If your browser isn't supported by the cloud reader, you can download the Kindle for PC program, which gives you similar access to your Kindle books from the program. Both methods sync your most recently read page to your other devices, meaning that you can read a book for a while on your netbook, and pick it up in the same place on your Kindle later.
Google eBookstore
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The Google eBookstore offers a simple Web interface for reading any supported book in your library. Books in your library are linked to your Google account, so you can access them from any computer. Simply click a book to open the Web reader, which features two open pages in the style of a paper book. You can click the "Aa" icon to change the text settings, including the font, font size and line height. The Google eBookstore also supports searching book content within the Web reader.
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Nook for PC
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The Nook application for your computer allows you to enjoy your Nook library from your computer, as well as shop for new books directly within the program. Books are shown in a side-by-side page format; they allow highlighting, bookmarking and note-taking features for your e-books. Your books sync to your Nook device, if you have one. You can also lend books to your friends from the PC program.
BookRix
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BookRix is an independent e-book website that allows authors to create and share their e-books for free, entirely online. If you're looking for unknown authors or a Web interface for reading on your netbook, Bookrix offers reading directly in your browser. If allowed, you may be able to download specific books, though the only real computer-based format is the BookRix flip-book style. The rest of the download options are specifically for e-readers.
Calibre
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Calibre is an e-book management program available for Windows, OS X and Linux. It not only organizes and converts e-books, but also offers a built-in e-book viewer for reading your books directly on your computer. Calibre supports multiple formats, though it cannot view or convert proprietary DRM formats. Calibre's viewer offers a simple interface for modifying the text size, continuing to the next page, searching the content and bookmarks. Using the "Next Page" button even initiates a simple page flip animation. To open an e-book in the Calibre viewer, select a book and click "View" on the toolbar.
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