How to Use PowerPoint and Other Presentation Software
From Wendy Russell, former About.com Guide
- Presentation Software Programs
- PowerPoint for Beginners
- FREE Online Ecourses
- OpenOffice Impress for Beginners
Presentation Software Programs
A variety of presentation software applications are on the market today. There are software titles to suit every budget, from free to the major dollar range. Presentation software capabilities can range from a simple slide show to a visual powerhouse which includes sound, music and narration.
- What is Presentation Software?
- What's New in PowerPoint 2010?
- Introducing PowerPoint 2007
- Overview of PowerPoint 2003
- Overview of Windows Movie Maker
- Overview of OpenOffice Impress
- Presentation Software Definitions
- Google Presentations - Free Online Software
- Acrobat.com Presentations - Free Online Software
PowerPoint for Beginners
Everyone is a beginner at some point. Here you will find links for Beginner's Guides for various versions of PowerPoint as well as a tutorials/articles for the absolute beginner.
- Beginner's Guide to PowerPoint 2010
- Beginner's Guide to PowerPoint 2007
- Beginner's Guide to PowerPoint 2003
- Your First PowerPoint Presentation
- Glossary of PowerPoint Terms
FREE Online Ecourses
Learn presentation software a little at a time. Subscribe to the newsletter online ecourse(s) of your choice and receive lessons in your email inbox. Some ecourses are provided either daily or weekly.
- PowerPoint 2007 for the Absolute Beginner - DAILY
- PowerPoint 2007 for the Absolute Beginner - WEEKLY
- PowerPoint 2003 for the Absolute Beginner - DAILY
- PowerPoint 2003 for the Absolute Beginner - WEEKLY
- Windows Movie Maker for the Absolute Beginner - DAILY
- Windows Movie Maker for the Absolute Beginner - WEEKLY
OpenOffice Impress for Beginners
OpenOffice Impress is a free presentation software program that is part of the suite of programs from OpenOffice.org. You will find all the basics you need to know right here, to create effective and professional looking presentations. Free step by step Open Office Impress tutorials and shortcuts will take you through creating your first presentation effortlessly.
Windows Movie Maker for Beginners

Windows Movie Maker is easy to use video editing program with powerful results. Great for business presentations, school projects or making a simple family photo album. Make your first movie this afternoon, using Windows Movie Maker.
- What is Windows Movie Maker?
- Beginner's Guide to Windows Movie Maker
- Free eCourse - Windows Movie Maker for the Absolute Beginner
- Windows Movie Maker How-To Video Library
Printing in PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint offers several ways to print slides including whole slides, notes for the speaker, or handouts for the audience. Hide background graphics when printing. Print your handouts in Word.
- Printing in PowerPoint 2010
- Printing in PowerPoint (versions 97 - 2003)
- Print PowerPoint as a PDF File
- Print Options in PowerPoint
- Hide Background Images for Printing
- Convert PowerPoint to Word for Printing Handouts
Classroom Resources

Look here for tips for making classroom presentations and lesson plans. Tips, tricks and free tutorials for teachers and students for using Microsoft PowerPoint and Windows Movie Maker in the classroom. A great way to integrate technology into the classroom.
- Student Tips - Classroom Presentations Worthy of an 'A'
- Teach Simple Math Lessons Using PowerPoint
- Develop Story Writing Skills Using PowerPoint Story Templates
- The Virtual Amazing Race - Webquest and Web Design
- Use PowerPoint to Create Story Maps
- Make Family Tree Charts Using PowerPoint
- The Ergonomic Computer Workstation - Business Lesson Plan
- Clouds and Weather Watching - PowerPoint Lesson Plan
- Create Multiple Choice Quizzes Using PowerPoint
- How to Lose an Audience in 10 Easy Ways
- PowerPoint - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
For Special Occasions

Create a multimedia presentation for those special occasions in your life -- the weddings, the summer vacation, that graduation ceremony, the latest retirement at the office, and let's not forget -- the annual Christmas party.
