Q. What do I need to read e-books and comics on a notebook computer? I like the fact that I can keep it on my lap and don’t have to hold up a screen to see the text.

A. Most of the major e-bookstores offer desktop apps or browser-based access to the e-books you have downloaded to your phone or other device. You can also shop and download new titles from your computer. If you already have an account with one of the popular electronic bookstores, check its website for a dedicated desktop app or instructions for reading your purchases in a web browser.

In addition to support for many mobile platforms and devices, Amazon’s site has a free Kindle reading app for Mac and Windows computers. The PC version works with the JAWS screen reader software designed for those with vision loss. Amazon makes its e-books available for most modern web browsers through its Kindle Cloud Reader. You just need to sign in with an Amazon user account and password to buy and read your books.