With Microsoft PowerPoint you can create visual presentations and slideshows that include photos, videos, text and graphics. This tool can be used for business applications, instructional purposes or to make creative slideshows to share photos and other creative presentation.http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/

Before you can begin creating slideshows or presentations, you will need to have the software installed on your PC or Mac. Before purchasing software, check your computer to see if the Office applications are already present. Some computers are pre-loaded with complimentary versions of Microsoft Office applications. If you find that it does not have Office software installed, then you will need to purchase an Office suite that includes PowerPoint before you can begin creating presentations.

For PC users, PowerPoint software is part of the Microsoft Office bundle. Versions released after 2003 have PowerPoint included. Earlier versions of Office do not include PowerPoint. PC users with Microsoft Works may be eligible for an upgrade to purchase PowerPoint only rather than having to purchase the entire bundle of Microsoft Office software. http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00280.htmVisiting the Microsoft web site will help you to determine which of these packages will work best for you. Upgrades and Office suites are available to be purchased and downloaded from Microsoft.com.http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/try/try-office-2010-FX101868838.aspx

For Mac users, PowerPoint is available in the Microsoft Office 2008 Editions for Mac. There are two versions available for Mac, Home and Office and Professional. Both of these are available for download at the Microsoft web site and include applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/office2008/shop-now.mspx

After you have successfully installed PowerPoint, the following steps will show you how to get started creating a presentation using the various tools of the application.

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The first step to creating a PowerPoint presentation is to choose how the presentation should look. This includes using a template, background images or different color themes. To get started:http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/basic-tasks-in-powerpoint-2010-HA101824346.aspx#_Toc255815782

1. Open the PowerPoint application
2. Click File
3. Choose from options such as Sample Templates or Themes
4. If you have downloaded a template, it will be made available here
5. To customize the background, choose the Design option and create your desired background

Templates are complete layouts that include a specific color scheme,font style, slide arrangement, background color or image and other features. These are predetermined by the style of the template and are intended to complement one another. Sample templates are included in the application and additional templates can be downloaded and installed from third party resources online. Once you have found a template that you may want to use again, you can also save any alterations you've made to the template for use later.http://www.powerpoint-2010.com/create-a-powerpoint-2010-presentation-from-a-template/

The background can also be changed to accommodate a specific color or image that you would like to appear behind each slide. Variations for images and colors can help to make the overall appearance better suited to the presentation. http://www.powerpoint-2010.com/microsoft-powerpoint-backgrounds/

Themes are a compilation of colors, fonts and effects that complement each other and provide a visually appealing display. http://www.powerpoint-2010.com/powerpoint-2010-themes/

PowerPoint presentations consist of a series of slides. Each one can include text, visual effects, photos or videos. Creating the slide includes adding each of the components that will be shown and determining the how the slides will transition from one to the next. Once you have opened the template or customized a blank template, you will be provided with the tools needed to create each slide.

1. To insert text in a slide, you can click the content box and begin typing. The toolbar will provide options to change the size, font and color of the text.
2. To insert a photo, it needs to be saved to your computer. It is also helpful to know where you've saved the photo so that it is easier to find. To include a photo, click Insert>Images>Picture. You will then be able to navigate the folders and locate the photo you wish to include in the slide. Once you have chosen the image, you will then be provided the tools to rotate, resize or alter the photo to better fit the slide layout.http://www.powerpoint-2010.com/insert-images-in-microsoft-powerpoint-2010/
3. The option to use videos in a PowerPoint presentation is a new feature in the 2010 version of PowerPoint. Videos can either be embedded from YouTube or from your computer. To use a YouTube video, simply click the embed option and copy the highlighted text.http://www.powerpoint-2010.com/embed-youtube-videos-in-microsoft-powerpoint-2010/ Then click Insert>Video>Video from Online Video Site. Videos located on your computer can also be used, however they can be embedded using the Insert Media option. Video formats that can be used include AVI, MPEG, MPG, WMV, MOV, MP4, SWF.http://www.powerpoint-2010.com/embedding-videos-in-microsoft-powerpoint-2010/

Once you have completed each of the slides, you can save the project. To save the slideshow, click File>Save As and then title the project so that you can easily find it later. Then click Save. PowerPoint will automatically save the file in .pptx format. To change this, click the drop down box and choose the desired format. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/basic-tasks-in-powerpoint-2010-HA101824346.aspx#_Toc255815782

1. After saving the file, you can print it to pass out. Each of the slides in the presentation will be printed on a separate page. It can then be assembled as a packet.
2. The PowerPoint can be shared with others using web sites such as Slideshare.com that allow members to upload the slideshow and provide a code that allows users to embed the presentation in a blog or web site. http://www.slideshare.net/dswaters/how-to-share-a-powerpoint-presentation-using-slideshare
3. PowerPoint Broadcast Slide Show provides another way to share the presentation. Using your Windows Live ID, you can create a link that will allow others to view the slideshow remotely. Simply click Broadcast Slide Show and you will be prompted to complete the steps necessary to begin sharing the presentation. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/share-presentations-painlessly-with-broadcast-slide-show-HA101792302.aspx
4. Use external memory such as a USB flash drive to save the presentation and play it on a different computer. It will need to have PowerPoint software to play the slideshow from this drive.