May 28 2007
If you have been wondering how to convert files (like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, whatever) into a .PDF without buying Adobe Acrobat - Today is your lucky day.  If you are using Microsoft Office 2007 (likely if you bought a new computer with Vista) there is a free download available from Microsoft that will let you do this.  If you are using an earlier version of Microsoft Office, there is also a free download that will let you do this.

Microsoft offers a free download for Microsoft Office 2007 that will convert any file in the Office Suite to .PDF format.  To install it, just click on the link: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=4D951911-3E7E-4AE6-B059-A2E79ED87041&displaylang=en , save the downloaded program to your computer (your Desktop is a convenient location), and double click on it to install (You can delete the downloaded file when done).

When installed, you can save a file as a PDF by:
1. Create a file using any Microsoft Office software programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
2. Save your file as you would normally
3. Click the Office button  in the upper left hand side of the window
4. Save As > PDF
-Keep the same name as the original file for easy reference
5. Click 'Publish'
-The file is saved as a .PDF and saved on your Desktop

If you are using an earlier version of Office, you can download and install CutePDF Writer.  Here's how you can install it:
1. Click on the link: http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp
2. Click on the 'Free Converter' link on the left hand margin, download it to your computer, and save it to your Desktop
3. Double Click on the downloaded file to intstall it
-When done
4. Click on the Free Download link again in step 1 and download the CutePDF converter in the left hand margin, download it to your computer, and save it to your Desktop
5. Double Click on the downloaded file to intstall it
-CutePDF is installed

To save a PDF:
1. Create a file using any Microsoft Office software programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
2. Save your file as you would normally
-In the program you are working in
3. File > Print...
4. Select 'CutePDF' from the 'Name' field
5. Click 'OK'
-The Save As window appears with the file name entered
6. Click 'Save'
-The file is saved as a .PDF and saved on your Desktop

That's it!