For the last numerous years, or since Microsoft Office 2002, I have been using anything but Microsoft Office software. Part of the reason for this is a brief period in time I used a Linux operating system and obviously Microsoft Office wasn't readily available.
Instead of Microsoft Office, today I use OpenOffice or NeoOffice.
OpenOffice is an opensource software package that performs the exact same duties as Microsoft Office but cost nothing and gives you a few extra bonus features. One of these features is allowing you to create PDF's using their software. I normally use the OpenOffice Writer software to write about any documents I may need. The writer software allows me to save the file type as a PDF without having to purchase any extra software.
PDF format has become the standard when sending documents as it allows you to send a document to anyone and the document will maintain all of its formating for printing purposes. The PDF format works in all operating systems like Macintosh/Mac, Windows and Linux/Unix.
NeoOffice is the exact same as OpenOffice but is built for MAC computers.
