PPS, or PowerPoint, files are files that are created using either PowerPoint or a similar program. PowerPoint is a program that ships with Microsoft Office and allows users to create fully-functional presentations and slideshows for use in schools, meetings, and lectures. While PowerPoint itself is a great program, some users do not appreciate the Microsoft Office layout or the price tag that accompanies it. For these reasons, a large number of similar programs have been introduced to the market since the release of PowerPoint that provide either the same or similar functions for free. A number of these programs are listed below.

Open Office Impress

Impress is an Open Office application that is used to create very professional presentations in 2D and 3D. Impress provides many different tools such as animations, special effects, and drawing tools in order to create presentations that stand out and excite the viewer. Although Impress saves files in the international OpenDocument format, it is able to open PPS files and modify them in the same way that PowerPoint can. While many users agree that Impress creates better presentations than PowerPoint, it is definitely cheaper as Open Office is a free alternative to Microsoft Office.

ThinkFree Show

ThinkFree Show is an application designed by ThinkFree to simulate PowerPoint presentations and slideshows. ThinkFree Show is specifically designed for mobile devices and browser-based editing. While the mobile application includes fully functional tools, the browser-based option allows users to quickly view and modify their PPS files without opening them in an office client. ThinkFree Show is made specifically for businesses in mind but can be used by anyone. The service includes an online file converter and is completely free.

Zoho Show

Zoho Show is similar to ThinkFree Show and is another browser-based presentation program. Zoho Show has a layout and appearance that is similar to Google and allows users to access a wide variety of tools in order to create excellent presentations and slideshows. Because Zoho Show is browser-based, users are also able to share and collaborate their PPS files with other users so that multiple users can work on the same project. In fact, the primary user can even specify which users are assigned which tasks and set permissions for other users in reference to what they can and cannot do.

Google Docs Presentations

Google Docs Presentations is a browser-based presentation creator provided by Google that allows users to create and modify PPS files over the Internet. Users have a wide variety of tools and functions that allow them to add special effects and items to a presentation such as text, audio, and even Flash-based video files. Google Docs Presentations also provides users with advanced options for sharing their presentations and even includes a feature that allows users to embed their presentations in webpages, blogs, and social networking sites.

KOffice KPresenter

KPresenter is a presentation program provided by KOffice that is easy to learn and use by both computer novices and computer experts. KPresenter includes many exciting features and options for adding text, audio, video, and special effects to any presentation or slideshow. KPresenter is supported by KOffice so it is able to include any other KOffice document in a presentation and can also include presentations in other KOffice documents. KPresenter also supports the use of addons so that new items and features can be easily obtained by choosing them from a list. KPresenter is also completely free.