Mac Forum / Applications / PowerPoint / December 2006

See
PC to Mac and Back
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00281.htm

Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

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I'll just reply based on my experience.  Please realize that I've not
done any sort of exhaustive testing.  Anyway-I've been updating a
comprehensive training program for my major client using PowerPoint
2004.  The original training program was developed in PowerPoint 97!
Over the years, individual slides were inserted using versions of
PowerPoint from 2000 through 2003.  In some cases, slides containing
"avi" files were inserted using PowerPoint XP.  I have had absolutely
no trouble working with the "original" and modified PowerPoint files
all of which were developed using several versions of PowerPoint.
Further, I've tested my updated PowerPoint files that I developed in
PowerPoint 2004 on PowerPoint 97 and 2003 and there have been no
problems.  The only consideration is to be sure and use the
compatibility checker to identify specific features that may not work
on versions of PowerPoint other than 2004.  I've done that and made
adjustments to prevent issues at presentation time.

I have had to deal with font substitutions when opening PowerPoint
files developed in Windows versions, but in most cases that has not
been a real problem.  Just use the "Replace Fonts" feature in the
Format Menu and usually a workable substitute can be found.

You may also find that inserted video clips can be a headache.  In my
case, my clients Windows workstations all have Quick Time installed so
I can insert clips as Quick Time movies.  If the Windows machine
doesn't have Quick Time installed, you may have to use "avi" files to
ensure compatibility, but even this may not work on old versions of
PowerPoint like 97-2000.

That's a brief run-down of my recent experience.  I hope your's turns
out to be as positive.

AndyH