This section will discuss certain procedures for starting and closing the PowerPoint program.

There are two ways to open the program:

• Double-click on the PowerPoint icon located on the desktop
• Click on the Start button and then go to Programs. Locate Microsoft PowerPoint and click on that to start the program.

Once the program initiates, you will see a window like the one below:

Each option has its own purpose. They are defined below:

• AutoContent Wizard - A good tool for new users. It gives a step-by-step process by offering content and design suggestions.
• Design Template - Opens a New Presentation window that offers pre-designed templates to choose from. Some of these templates have animated sequences in the slides.
• Blank Presentation - Allows users the flexibility to customize a presentation or just begin entering content. A New Slide dialog box will appear once this option is selected with several Slide Layout options. Double-click on the desired slide layout. A white, blank slide with two text placeholders should appear.
• Open an Existing Presentation - Retrieve a presentation that has been previously saved. Click on the radio button to browse through the list of most recent presentations or click on More Files to search the computer.

There are two ways to close the existing presentation.

• Go to File in the menu bar and select Close (or Exit if you want to exit PowerPoint completely).
• Click on the Close button for that particular window (be careful not click on the PowerPoint exit button).