Hi Nubiker,This link will take you to free software I also have that converts documents to pdf files.I have not used it in a while but as far as I remember to convert you act as if you were going to print a doc. and from the drop down list you choose the cute software and instead of printing it will convert the doc into pdf, and after that you can do what you need to do.http://www.cutepdf.com/margemib
I can't live without office. I use every program nearly every day. I also convert a lot to PDF so I have the full version of Adobe that lets me convert (and protect) anything really. The only program I hate and don't even think I've ever opened it or ever will is Excel I hate spread sheets!! I love power point, and with Publisher I can do my marketing materials on and use my other graphic programs with it. I was looking at the Windows 7 and really I'm not seeing a good reason to go to it for a while.
Hmm not sure what you mean but backups and spread sheets are different things. If I am working on follow-up I use an outstanding claim report, my providers receive monthly reports and for the ones I have in my web based software (or theirs) they can login and view anytime. Backups vary by vendor but you should find out backup procedures. Some will even sell offsite storage. When I give my monthly reports out I store copies (PDF) in each clients folder on my PC. I really don't use anymore paper than is necessary.