Guide to Create PDF Documents for Free
Rule # 1: Microsoft Word files can look different on different computers. If you want to make sure a document looks as intended, never send it as a .doc file. Rule #2: PDF files are the de facto standard. Always send PDF files (unless they are meant to be edited). Unfortunately, Adobe charges $300 for their PDF writer, Adobe Acrobat. Fortunately, there are legal ways to make PDF files for free. Method 1 - Print to PDF CutePDF provides a free "print to PDF" utility. The way it works is that it installs a "printer" onto your computer which saves a PDF image of the file to your drive instead of sending it to an actual printer. Therefore, you can convert any document that can be printed (i.e. docs, web pages, images, charts, PowerPoint etc...) to PDF. Go here for complete instructions. The site is a little bit confusing, so if you don't feel like figuring it out, just download and install the following two programs: GPL Ghostwriter cutePDF writer
Method 2 - Convert it online This is a good option if you need to create a PDF at work, but can't get the IT team to set you up with a PDF writer. Adobe provides an online service through which you can upload files to be converted to PDF. You will need to set up an account with Adobe, and it gives you 5 free prints per email address. You can access the service here.