in this issue
Embedding a DWF into a PowerPoint Slideshow
Well, we've all seen it...the cool powerpoint slide which
has a DWF image in it. You can zoom in, pan, turn
layers on and off - do everything except a 3D Orbit.
But, how many of you have banged your heads trying
to achieve the same results, only to give up and chalk
it up to another smoke and mirrors show by a savvy
sales guy?
Turns out that there IS a bug in the DWF Viewer
control that means if you use any Windows operating
system other than XP, you need to go through a
different process to insert your DWF...using Insert
Object simply doesn't work.
Now, for all those of you who do NOT use Windows XP,
download the instructions below, and you too can
amaze your colleagues and friends by embedding DWF
objects in your Powerpoints. And if you DO have XP,
the instructions still work.
Download the FREE tutorial here
Quick Links...
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Greetings!
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Making Upgrading Easier
If you have AutoCAD 2000 or better, and are looking to
upgrade to 2005, Autodesk provides a set of free
migration tools to make life a little easier.
A lot of users balk at upgrading because they have
spent a lot of time setting up custom menus, toolbars,
shortcut keys, etc.
However, if you don't upgrade, you risk the chance of
having to spend a ton of money down the road - just
to remain competitive and compatible with the rest of
the world.
So, bite the bullet and upgrade...but check out the
instructions on how to migrate all your hard
customization work before you install your new
software.
Autodesk Migration Tools »
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More News on the Software Lock Issue
At Autodesk's Go Further Tour, there is a short
segment at the end of the day where Autodesk explains
how the software lock really works and answers
questions from the audience.
This segment is highly informative and if you are
planning to attend any of the upcoming events, I really
recommend you stick around and stay for this part of
the conference.
Autodesk has actually introduced three
types of licenses this release: a single use, multi-seat
standalone (MSS), and network.
The single use is what
I have...basically one user, one workstation...oh, but
what about my laptop? I give presentations all the
time on Autodesk software and now the software lock
is tied into the hardware, so do I have to buy a second
seat just for my laptop? The answer is NO! Hurrah!
Let the peasants rejoice! Autodesk takes into account
that many users want to be able to work off a laptop or
a home machine and a single use license allows you to
authorize on TWO machines. However, BIG CAVEAT -
the registration info you enter in the form has to be
identical, so if you put in your work address the first
time, make sure you put in your work address the
second time as well.
The second install type is Multi-
Seat Standalone. This is a new type of installation
option that allows folks who have purchased multiple
single seats to use one serial number. You know the
drill. You bought ten seats of AutoCAD. You throw
nine boxes in the drawer and then you used the tenth
CD to install on all the machines. If you are this type
of customer and are on subscription, you will
automatically be converted to the MSS license. But if
you have any questions, you can also call Autodesk.
Operators are standing by.
Finally, you have the
network installation. I asked (troublemaker that I am)
when, oh when? will Autodesk standardize their network
installations, so that those poor IT guys can install
using the same methods for AutoCAD, LDD, Inventor,
and Revit? Not yet, sayeth Autodesk, but maybe in a
couple of releases...have patience.
Hidden on your network installation CD is a FREE utility.
Sam Report LITE which tracks usage by time of day,
individual, etc. You can install the utility and run it to
troubleshoot problems you may be having when too
many users try to log on simultaneously.
How Tos on Network Installation »
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Free Lisp Routine
Shawn Nguy, from Portland, Oregon, emailed me asking
for a lisp routine that would make his life easier. Shawn
describes his problem as follows:
The blocks denote the number of parking stalls on a
site layout. I was looking for a way to quickly count up
the parking stalls without having to punch in each
number on a calculator to get a final count. A routine
that would allow me to select all those blocks and it
would return a total sum in the command window.
Each block consisted of a circle with a single attribute
in the center. The attribute was the number of parking
stalls. I wrote a quick lisp routine for Shawn to try
out. The routine has no error checking and is very
basic, but it is a good starting point if you have a
similar problem. You can download the routine and I
have kept it open so you can read it and modify it for
your own use. Shawn's response:
It's Perfect!!!!! That's exactly what I was looking for! I
appreciate your effort in getting this done.
Download the routine... »
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CADzette Archives Updated
In the past two weeks, I have gotten emails from
several readers complaining that I haven't added the
latest CADzettes to the archives page on my website.
Well, I put out a CADzette every Friday like clockwork.
It takes me about half a day to update my archives
page, so I only do it at the end of every quarter.
So, if you missed past issues, rest assured that they
will appear on the archives webpage eventually. In
fact, since last week marked the end of the first
quarter, you may want to check out the archives page
to read any issues you may have missed...or
accidentally deleted.
Catch up on Past Issues of CADzette »
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