Flexible Education With PowerPoint
Author: Vic Ferri
Date Created: March 8th, 2004
Last Updated: February 28th 2009
Vic has been studying computers since the DOS-only days and, though he can
build computers from the ground up, his real specialty revolves around
the Windows operating systems, in particular the Windows registry, MS-DOS
and multimedia. He also runs Registry
Answers - a free newsletter of registry tips.
Besides writing for TechTrax,
he also write for ABC and
runs Wintips & Tricks,
the largest Windows support group at Yahoo. His knowledge has helped
him help many people with their computer problems. His main service
is PowerPoint
to EXE, where he converts PowerPoint presentations (both commercial
and personal) to standalone EXE files, which can be distributed and
run without the need for users to have PowerPoint installed. He is also
the developer of Lock&Hide,
a desktop folder security program for Windows 95/98/ME, only.
Introduction
I first heard about Vic Ferri's PowerPoint to EXE conversion service on a Yahoo Groups forum. Intrigued by the concept, I visited his site but never got around contacting him. There have always been questions on Microsoft's PowerPoint newsgroups that ask about EXE conversion of PowerPoint presentations - something Microsoft has chosen to ignore probably since EXEs from PowerPoint could start a new bunch of computer viruses.
With 30 million PowerPoint presentations being created each day, the fear of PowerPoint presentations-turned-EXEs propagating viruses is very real indeed and Microsoft's non-introduction of this feature can be considered a good move.
Fast forward two years and I was communicating with Vic about his concept - and it seemed good enough for an Indezine story...
In Vic's Own Words
Here are Vic's thoughts in his own words:
This is a custom programming service and to date,
as far as I know, there is no software that can create a standalone EXE
like this from a PowerPoint presentation. Each job is custom compiled and
different methods are used depending on the needs of the customer and effects
used. Some of the clients that we have done EXEs for are
Plastro International, American Association of Professional Estimators,
Chiropractic Wellness Center, Speciality Title Services, and many others
have expressed satisfaction in our EXE conversion.
Security seems to be one of the main attractions to this service since your presentation cannot be edited or copied. The main appeal however is the click and play aspect requiring no user intervention and no need for users to have PowerPoint installed. Though most of the EXEs I do are for business, I also do personal conversions at reduced rates. As well, I do non PowerPoint EXE conversions.
Benefits
- no need for users to have PowerPoint installed on their system.
- no need for users to have to download and install the PowerPoint viewer.
- EXE plays automatically without user intervention when double clicked.
- depending on effects, supports Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000 and XP.
- supports most effects and custom animations from Powerpoint 2002 (XP) and 2003.
- EXE can be easily autorun from a CD.
- EXE is ideal for internet distribution (make your EXE available for download from your site).
- smaller EXEs can be zipped and emailed to clients.
- unlike a PPS or PPT file, your EXE is secure and cannot be edited.
- a custom icon can be assigned to the EXE.
Testimonials
I just ran through the whole presentation and it looks
great! Thank you so
much for your help with this, and it was a pleasure doing business
with you.
We will definitely be in touch for our next project! - when we update
the
presentation - as well as refer you to anyone we know who might need
similar
help! :)
Chiropractic Wellness Center
Baltimore, MD
The program is getting rave reviews but, either everyone
is being kind or I just have one very sharp eyed friend! Thanks,
Concert Presentation for Organist David Higgs
Baton Rouge, LA
Vic, Looks really nice!!! The auto run works with
the sound file and runs the Demo3. I say let's finalize it.
Speciality Title Services
Chicago, Illinois
It came up perfectly and ran smoothly. tried clicking
to fast forward through the pictures. It worked and did not cause any problems.
All three links worked perfectly. Congratulations on a JOB WELL DONE!!!!
American Association of Professional Estimators
End Note
If anyone would like a demo EXE, you can send Vic a sample PowerPoint file and he will return to you a demo EXE of it for your evaluation. There is absolutely no charge or obligation for this.
Alternatively, you can email him for a premade sample. You can send PowerPoint demos under 4 MBs by email to pptexe@onlink.net - mention the version of PowerPoint you used to create it and what version of Windows you are using. PowerPoint files over 4 MBs can be sent via Dropload, SendThisFile or any file transfer service you prefer. Use pptexe@onlink.net as the email address to send all files to or to request a sample EXE.