title: How do I generate a PDF/Excel file from an SQL database using C# and MVC 2?
body: <p>I need to make the information in the database usable by allowing the user to download it as a PDF or Excel spreadsheet (either one works, both is perfect).</p>
  
  <p>I've looked around at a bunch of options, but I really can't decide which one I should use, let alone if any of those options are actually useful.  Most of the options I've found revolve around converting already existing HTML files into PDFs which is not what I need.  Also, it needs to be <em>free</em>.  My bosses haven't given me a budget to spend on this</p>
  
  <p>I'm not sure what other information I should include here.</p>
  
  <p>Well, any help is greatly appreciated.  If you have questions about missing information, I'll get it posted ASAP.  I'm here all day, so I'll be able to respond to any comments very quickly.</p>
  
  <p>EDIT:  Oh wow!  Huge thanks, guys, for the massive response!  I got a ton of ideas.  This is super-helpful.  Thanks!</p>