I really thought that I had posted this article, but I have not seen it in a quick page through.
It is a big, big article with most of what I recommend about setting up and switching, with the primary focus on individual users. But it applies to transitioning groups, as well.
See also this blog post, which has some really specific info about how to distribute clip art to many users on a network.
I came across this a few days ago on Lifehacker.
"Windows/Mac/Linux: With pictures, videos, and high-resolution fonts, slideshows can make up some pretty big files—fine if you've got a large enough thumb drive or CD-R, but what if you have to email them? Sun Presentation Manager, a free extension for OpenOffice, shrinks down files by compressing graphics, deleting hidden slides, and creating static versions of linked objects. It works similar to the PowerPoint-based PPTminimizer, but without the $40 fee and exclusive Office platform—you can use the extension on either OpenOffice files or imported PowerPoint projects. Sun Presentation Manager is a free download, and requires OpenOffice 2.3 or StarOffice 8 or later."
http://lifehacker.com/350774/shrink-powerpointopenoffice-slides-with-sun-presentation-minimizer
