Presentation software refers to computer programs used to prepare and display text and illustrations to accompany a speech or other presentation. A major use of presentation software is to display information at business meetings. It can also provide visual accompaniment to lectures in schools and at scholarly gatherings. The finished presentation can be shown on a large screen using a projector connected to a computer.
Much like traditional overhead and slide projectors, presentation software can be used to display illustrations, such as photographs, diagrams, charts, and graphs. But presentation software can also animate (add motion to) words and pictures. Headlines and other short segments of text can move around—entering the picture from the side of the screen, for example—to create a dramatic effect. In addition, the software may provide sound clips and motion-picture effects, such as fades and dissolves. Most presentation software can take information from other programs, such as word processors and spreadsheets. One of the most popular presentation programs is Microsoft PowerPoint.
