Microsoft PowerPoint, usually just called PowerPoint, is a commercial presentation program developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite which also includes another two office tools - Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. PowerPoint uses a graphical approach to presentations in the form of slide shows that accompany the oral delivery of the topic. The current versions are Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 for Windows and 2011 for Mac.

what is Microsoft PowerPoint used for?

The main purpose of MS PowerPoint is to enable the user to create dynamic, informational slide shows through the use of text, graphics, and animation. Slide shows created with the software are often displayed on projection screens for business, training, or educational presentations, although they can be distributed as stand-alone files. Additionally, the slides can be arranged and printed as handouts for reference.

New features in PowerPoint 2010

With Microsoft PowerPoint, you can make charts, tables, and macros, and insert images, audio, video, and other multimedia files. With the new release of Microsoft Office 2010, many advanced features were added in PowerPoint 2010.

1. Embed and edit video from within PowerPoint. Now you can add fades, formatting effects, bookmark scenes, and trim videos to give your presentations a professional multimedia experience. And since the embedded videos become part of your PowerPoint presentation, you don’t have to manage additional files when sharing with others.

2. Use new and improved picture editing tools. You can use picture editing tools including versatile artistic effects and advanced correction, color, and cropping tools, to fine-tune every picture in your presentation to look its absolute best. Even, dynamic 3-D slide transitions and more realistic animation effects can be added to grab your audience’s attention.

3. Work together more successfully. If you are one of the many people who work with others on presentations and projects, PowerPoint 2010 is the perfect tool for you. The new added co-authoring capabilities to edit the same presentation allows you to work with people in different locations at the same time. You can even communicate as you work, directly from PowerPoint

4. Access and share your content from more places. Your ideas, deadlines, projects, and work emergencies don’t always occur conveniently when you are at your desk. Fortunately, you now have the power to get things done when and where you need to, from the Web with Microsoft PowerPoint Web App or even from your smartphone with Microsoft PowerPoint Mobile.

Create a slide show

When beginning a new slide show, PowerPoint provides an array of templates to choose from. Experienced users with a specific look in mind can start with a blank presentation for setting attributes, such as colors and fonts, to their own specifications. After creating the initial file, the next step is to create a slide, which can be done by using an auto layout, or a blank screen in order to add components manually. You can then choose to add a combination of text and graphics to suit the needs of the presentation, and apply animation to either of these elements to create a dynamic effect. You can add as many slides and make them as content-rich as your system can handle; there are no limits imposed in the software itself.