If I don't have a straight sided saute pan or a dutch oven, can't I just use a regular pan?!
Answers:
Yes, you'll be fine with a regular pan- just make sure it's big enough to accomodate all the ingredients. Sometimes recipes call for a dutch oven because you start off on the stovetop and move to the oven.
It will depend upon what you are going to be cooking, but in most cases it will be OK.
For what?
Oh yeah if all you are doing is sauteing veggies, you will be fine with a normal pan