For Users of PowerPoint 2000

What gives? Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 slide shows seem to chug along at a rate significantly slower than PowerPoint 97.
The culprit: An entry animation or sound assigned to text boxes or other objects. A fix isn't available, but if the user assigns an entry animation or sound to an object following these steps, the slide show should speed up: 1) Choose the object; 2) Select Custom Animation on the Slide Show; 3) Pick the Effects tab; 4) Select the desired settings under Entry animation and sound, and; 5) Choose OK. From Bugnet.com

PowerPoint XP is Here!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the latest version of Microsoft's Office suite, including PowerPoint, is shipping. Click here for an extensive review. I'm not one to chase after upgrades, but this one is very tempting, as it has added some nice tools. List cost: USD$309
Microsoft's Office XP site

PowerPoint Discussion Board with MS PowerPoint MVP's.

Perhaps the best resource yet for PowerPoint is Indezine by Geetesh Bajaj. This site is overwhelmed with resources, reviews, downloads of backgrounds, etc. Definitely worth overstaying lunch to look over this site. If you only click one link on this page, make this the one!

A fantastic source for PowerPoint templates (125 free templates!), tools, books, software, etc. www.brainybetty.com

Want to put your PowerPoint presentations on your company's Intranet or on the Internet? www.powerpointstreaming.com can show you how to add streaming PowerPointŪ presentations to your Intranet or Internet site today!

Comprehensive PowerPoint Handbook
A new comprehensive, fully illustrated 50-page guide to using PowerPoint, created by Mark Tointon of Excelearnt Ltd. The PowerPoint Handbook is available now in download format from the TrainingZONE Toolkit.

Here's a neat PowerPoint presentation on how to use PowerPoint at Big Dog's Bowl of Biscuits (a great site for training resources, techniques, ISD, etc!) Online PowerPoint help

Novice users
Many companies offer training for beginners, immediate and advanced PowerPoint users. Check out our Trainers and Consultants Directory to find training companies near you.

Some websites also include pages online offering introductory advice about how to get started. See, for example, Getting started with PowerPoint 97and other download resources created by Bristol University Computer Services Department.

More Tips
If you installed the full version of PowerPoint onto your desktop, there is an excellent set of resources already on your hard drive. Look under the Tools menu to find PowerPoint Central.

Microsoft themselves offer a series of online tips, mostly aimed at a fairly basic level, but good if you are a novice user.

TrainingZONE user Nici Aldridge of A2Z Training offers two download tip sheets for PowerPoint:
PowerPoint 2000 Tip Sheet for anyone upgrading to this version, and PowerPoint for Presenters Tip Sheet with suggestions for using PowerPoint effectively in PC-based presentations.

Here's TrainingZONE's quick guide to making your presentation stand out.

Updated: 16 November 2001