Home Office/Small Business Questions: Fax/PDF solutions

[Oski]

Hello:

I have some office management issues regarding documents.

1. Is there a program that will allow me to convert MSWORD files into PDF files? (This would allow me to e-mail documents in a protected format).

2. Is there a program that will allow me to convert received PDF files into word text?

3. Fax managment: I send about 250 pages of faxes per month; I receive about 500.

a) What are some budget solutions for this typical amount of activity? (** I was thinking that I could save money by converting files into PDF's and just e-mailing them.)

b) I have to purchase a printer; should I get one of those 4-in-one products, or are they mostly gimmicks?

Any help appreciated, I thank you in advance.