I've found an open source program which can merge Adobe pdf documents into one file and also split them into several different files. It's very useful and can be downloaded here.
Open Office is terrific, especially if you've got documents to be exported as pdf files. However, if you've already got a number of related pdf files that you want to compile as one document (say, gathering together all your scroll saw patterns with a dance theme - I'm sure you've a great need for that, Mike ) it's very handy to have a dedicated merge program such as PDF SAM.
I've got to agree with you when it comes to using Open Office, though, Mike - every computer should have it .