another rookie mistake - how to use the pdf as an editable form?

Hi,
  
I only have the free pdf reader application at the moment (I have paid version of adobe for film but not for basic pdf reading).
 
Am just wondering how easy it is to create editable forms in a pdf, and what app I need to get? Have worked in offices where they just create a document they want a client to fill in, in a word doc and save it in overwrite mode so you dont mess the formating, but I imagine that adobe has a much more professional form that does this?
 
Can you please give me a little guidance on this - yes i know its a newb question, but thats why I am here.
 
Thanks,
 
b