Lets say i have 5 pages that I would like to scan and convert to PDF format. What would be the best way to accomplish this? I'm so frustrated, do i really have to buy Adobe Reader? There must be a free alternative somewhere

Our scanner here at work scans directly to PDF but since yours doesn't seem to, check out some of the free PDF converters available on CNET.
http://download.cnet.com/1770-20_4-0.html?query=PDF&searchtype=downloads&rpp=10&filter=licenseName=Free|platform=Windows&filterName=licenseName=Free|platform=Windows&tag=contentNav;navForm

CutePDF installs a printer driver that lets you print from any application to a PDF. It works well and is free.

[font=&quot;arial, sans-serif&quot;]<a href='&quot;http://www.primopdf.com&quot;'>www.<span style="font-weight:bold;">primopdf</span>.com</a><br /> [font=&quot;arial, sans-serif&quot;] <br /> [font=&quot;arial, sans-serif&quot;]Primo PDF same as cutePDF but I have more experience with and it works great no complaints.

PDFCreator is free too (at least I hope so). It also installs a virtual printer.

+1 vote to CutePDF. I've been using it for a couple years now and love it. It is simple, free, and Just Works!

Just type "convert blah.jpeg blah.pdf" in the terminal.

Oh I forgot, you're probably using Windows. I guess you'll have to use the web browser to search for some seemingly useful applications between all the spyware and disfunctional "shareware" thingies instead, with installers that install various background programs and updaters as well

+1 vote to CutePDF. I've been using it for a couple years now and love it. It is simple, free, and Just Works!

Thank you this was really great!

Just type "convert blah.jpeg blah.pdf" in the terminal.

Oh I forgot, you're probably using Windows. I guess you'll have to use the web browser to search for some seemingly useful applications between all the spyware and disfunctional "shareware" thingies instead, with installers that install various background programs and updaters as well

Or he could use cygwin, with the added bonus that he'd be able to continue using his already-working Windows plug and play scanner drivers without having to use his web browser to search for some seemingly functional drivers.

+1 For CutePDF from me as well.

Also, not related as it won't do what you want but Adobe Reader is free (which is contrary to what you said in your OP)