Re: NEWBIE ADVICE PLS?

"RMR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> OK, you and Brian have mentioned file types, compatibility.  What file
> types are there besides DWG, DXF, etc. that could be an issue and which
> packages are compatible with them?  Again, I'm a newbie, so please be
> gentle even though I am already abusing your patience.  TIA
>
> BTW, I saw another prog, TurboCAD.  Do you or anybody else have opinions
> on it?  TIA
>

Cad programs tend to use a different file type (especially from vendor to
vendor).  Autocad (and Autocad LT) use dwg (& can deal well with dxf).
Other programs may or may not use dwg as it's native file type.  Chief
Architect, 3D home, Solidworks, Revit, Inventor, etc  have varying success
when working with "non native" file types.  If you're not sending or
receiving files from other people/companies than it's not real important
(though if you have a problem with a file someone willing to help you would
need to be able to work with the file type).  Some strange things can happen
if file types aren't handled correctly, everything from just minor layer
issues to complete lose of drawing information.  Again though, this really
should only be a big issue if you are going to be exchanging files.

I've never used TurboCad so I can't comment on it.  The list of CAD programs
I have used is short (because I exchange files with clients a lot -
compatibility is required, so I use Autodesk products) AutoCad, AutoCad LT
and Architectural Desktop.

The products I've used all have their issues/problems but they are the
industry standard (for my industry at least - residential & light commercial
design/drafting).  My biggest beef is with Autodesk (the company) not
AutoCad (the product).

More specific information on other programs will have to come from others,
since 100% compatability is required for me, I have limited knowledge of the
other programs available.

Also, what field are you going to be using it for?  Civil Engineering
software would be different than Automotive Engineering, versus deck
designing, versus HVAC drawing, etc....  If you can find out what other
people/firms use that do the same kind of work as you (and hopefully, if
they're happy with it) it will give you a good starting point on which
software to evaluate.

HTH,

Michael