... pick up a user based program that would replace powerpoint
Yes.
http://www.openoffice.org/ (http://www.openoffice.org/)
The presentation program in that suite is not completely compatible with all the options of MS Powerpoint, and the spreadsheet program is just HORRIBLE when it comes to making graphs and such, but otherwise its not that bad, and its free.
I like openoffice, although it sucks compared to excel. But, it's workable and I like the price.