Creating a PDF file requires purchasing software.  The most common software to purchase is Adobe Acrobat.  The newest release is 5.0 and the average retail cost for this program is $170. 

Adobe Acrobat 5.0 used in conjunction with Microsoft Office 2000 allows you to save files as a .pdf file straight from the software that you are using.  See the Adobe Acrobat 5.0 web site for further instructions.

For older Microsoft Office products see Adobe Acrobat's help feature or visit the Adobe web site for help.

There is also an online Adobe program that allows you to join and create .pdf files online for about $100 per year or $10 per month .