Adobe Acrobat: The Basics of Adobe Software and "PDF" (Portable Document Format) Files
First, you can NOT convert files to PDF format using Adobe’s free “Reader” software. You can only view files in that format with the free software applications. Some of Adobe’s other software may have come bundled with the ability to convert documents to PDF, but those are not free, either.
There are websites available that allow you to convert your files to PDF at no charge, but keep in mind that there really is no such thing as a free lunch. The ones that I’ve looked into either gather personal data from you that could lead to spam, or they have some other sort of strings attached. One online conversion site even states in their “fine print” that you agree that your document becomes their property—to do with as they see fit (perhaps to sell to one of the term paper vending services, is my guess). Be very cautious.
If you opt for buying one of Adobe's PDF-producing software packages, just think of it as purchasing a required text that you will use for all of your ETL courses. Also, be sure to look for programs that are sold at "Academic Pricing", since you are a student.
On the other hand, you don't necessarily have to buy software just to convert documents to PDF. Most of the newer suites of office software, such as the various versions of Microsoft Office, now have this capability. A suite of office software with this capability is even available to registered GWU students. See the information for MS Office 365.
There are also "clones" of office productivity suites that can be downloaded for free. Even though GWU does not officially support them, most of our students are tech-savvy enough to manage these products. A website showing some of these free productivity suites can be found here: http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-office-software
Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud includes includes Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator and more and can be downloaded from the GWIT Student Technology Services website to your university-owned or personal device. For more information about Adobe Creative Cloud, see the following guide:
