Which Applications Should Open a PowerPoint Bundle?
PowerPoint is a program produced by Microsoft that allows users to create dynamic slideshows. These slideshows can be exported in a format that allows them to be played on another person's computer. This slideshow, or bundle, should be opened by compatible programs only. A user attempting to access a PowerPoint slideshow via a program that was not designed to open the corresponding format will receive an error message.
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The File Extension
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Microsoft's PowerPoint ordinarily assigns its files an extension of ".PPT." However, in the case of the bundle, or ready-to-go presentation, the software assigns it the ".PPS" extension. The software uses .PPT when the presentation is not complete and .PPS when the user indicates that the presentation is ready to be exported and viewed by third parties. At any time the user can save a presentation as either .PPT or .PPS.
Native Programs
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All PowerPoint programs are produced in Microsoft PowerPoint. However, a PowerPoint presentation can be exported in formats that will be compatible with a number of operating systems. This portability helps ensure that the end user can display their slideshow wherever they are without worrying about whether the computer will be able to handle it. However, not every program is capable of opening a .PPS document. If an incompatible program attempts to open this file, the user will receive an error message.
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PowerPoint Viewer
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The PowerPoint Viewer is the official program for viewing PowerPoint slideshows. Available for free and compatible with several different operating systems, it offers a lightweight solution for opening PowerPoint bundles. PowerPoint Viewer is optimized for displaying all of the transitions and effects that PowerPoint is capable of. Note that while there are other programs that are capable of viewing PowerPoint presentations, there is no guarantee that they will be able to do so with full fidelity like the PowerPoint Viewer can.
Other Compatible Programs
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There are other programs that are capable of opening PowerPoint slideshows. The open-source package OpenOffice.org contains a program known as "Impress" that can open and edit PowerPoint programs as well as view PowerPoint presentations. XnView is a freeware application that is also capable of opening both .PPT and .PPS files. Keep in mind that neither of these programs are guaranteed to be able to display PowerPoint transitions and effects exactly as they would be displayed in PowerPoint.
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