how to get powerpoint

[shivvy]

I sent my father-in-law an attachment which needs powerpoint to open. He seems sure that he doesn't have powerpoint on his machine. What is the easiest and cheapest (ie free!) way to get this onto his machine? Can he download it from the internet somewhere safely and for free?
Thanks

[kempie]

Microsoft has a free download of their PowerPoint Viewer (compatible with PP versions 97, 2000, 2002 & 2003) here

[shivvy]

thanks kempie and please excuse my ignorance.
You say it is PowerPoint Viewer. Will this allow him to open powerpoint attachments?

[kempie]

If the attachment is a presentation created in PowerPoint 97 or later then PowerPoint Viewer 2003 allows you to view and print full-featured presentations (even if password-protected), but you cannot edit them.

[shivvy]

Brilliant - exactly what I was after kempie.
Now I just have to get him to negotiate the download page successfully!

[vehelpfulguy]

If you want people to view a powerpoint presentation, who do not need to update it, then convert it to a PDF format file before sending it.

There are quite a few free products out there that convert files into PDF format (I use PDF995).

You can also convert Word files and other format files to PDF to take them easier for other people to view.

Most people have Adobe Reader which is free so are able to view PDF files.

[Joanna_Miller]

The easiest and cheapest way to give ability to your parents to see your PowerPoint files, just upload them (PPT files, not parents ) on to Slideshare or Authorstream sites which gives you ability just send a link on your presentations online.

That's it.