Even with the huge number of video sites available on the Internet today (how-to and otherwise), I’ve found that there are strikingly few high quality, free software tutorial videos.

This was frustratingly brought to my attention after searching from site to site for a demonstration video on a Microsoft PowerPoint function to send to a relative.

Five poor quality, moderately applicable videos later, I sent this email:

Brian,
Here’s a link to a video showing how to insert transition effects in PowerPoint documents.

[link removed]

It’s for the wrong version and there’s a mistake at the end of the video so don’t watch the last 10 seconds. The first few minutes also don’t apply to what you’re wanting. The site also requires you to register before viewing the video. If I find something better I’ll send that along, I promise!

The next day I got this back:

Stacy,

Thanks for the link! After registering, I had to install something called a “plug-in” to make the video work, but that wasn’t really that hard.

The video kept skipping but I think I got the gist of it. Some pop-up window kept getting in the way too which didn’t help, but I think I can figure out whatever I missed if I just play around. Thanks again!

I later found out that Brian spent 10 minutes installing the QuickTime plugin, 15 minutes digging through Microsoft Office online help and another 15 of trial and error before he was happy with his presentation. Remember that this video was the best of what was available!

A really good, flash-based video tutorial could have demonstrated exactly what he needed in about 5 minutes.

At TechTutor.TV, we’re out to solve these kinds of problems by producing professional, specific, high-quality, easily available, and absolutely free video tutorials.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send us an email. You can also request a video tutorial if you haven’t found exactly what you’re looking for. Also, feel free to leave comments on any of the videos - your feedback is always welcome!