in this issue
Let the Peasants Rejoice! Autodesk's Latest Releases
Hurrah! Autodesk has now released AutoCAD 2007 and
ADT 2007, with MDT 2007, Inventor R11, Revit, etc. to
follow on their heels.
I don't like messing around with beta software...1) it is
buggy and 2) I am lousy at keeping secrets. I get
excited about the new stuff, annoyed when stuff
changes in a way I don't like, and generally antsy.
Autodesk doesn't particularly like me playing with their
beta software either. I try to be good (honest, I do),
but my preference would be to just wait until the
software is released and have at it. Then, I don't have
any pressure to inadvertently or overtly say something
I shouldn't.
Look for some tutorials, tips, and helpful info in
upcoming issues as I try to get used to the latest
releases.
Quick Links...
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Greetings!
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Questions from a Reader
Rinaldo Zacarias, from Brazil, emailed me with two
questions.
His first question had to do with the use of OSNAPs.
OSNAPS work fine when he is working with lines, but
not with construction lines or rays. What was he doing
wrong?
Like many beginner users, Rinaldo was looking to blame
himself. AutoCAD treats construction lines as rays -
that is, they have no endpoints, so there is no midpoint
or endpoint to snap to. About the best you can hope
for is to snap to NEArest.
I have pretty much eliminated using construction lines -
the new OTRACK feature has resolved that problem.
But, when I do use construction lines, I create a
separate layer using a different color and a dashed line
type. I then use regular lines for my construction
lines. This also makes it easier to select them when it
is time to erase them or I can just freeze that layer.
That layer should also always be set to 'No Plot'.
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Microsoft Action Pack Subscription Part II
One reader asked me to clarify that the offer from
Microsoft is a subscription...this means that you are
required to pay an annual fee or the software will lock
you out at the end of the year. For me, the fee ($300)
is less than I pay every year for this software so it is
still a good deal. However, if you only upgrade every
three years or so, you may want to reconsider whether
this is the deal for you.
It is only a matter of time for most software companies
to switch to the subscription mode. Autodesk currently
does not consider you the "owner" of your software.
Rather, you purchase a license to use the software.
This is why you can't transfer ownership when you buy
a seat of the software.
Right now, your license does not expire...but everyone
complains that the software is too expensive...so would
it be better to pay a smaller renewal fee every year to
continue use of the software AND get a free upgrade?
Isn't that what the current subscription program
about?... although you have the higher initial "buy-in"
fee (to cover those users who don't opt for
subscription and the fact that the license doesn't
expire).
Autodesk has experimented with rental and lease
programs with their software with luke-warm results. I
think that is because engineers are a pretty
conservative bunch, as a general rule. We like to
innovate new products and ideas, but darn if we don't
fight any change in our own lives tooth and nail. But,
we also are pretty pragmatic. If you can make a logical
appeal, we certainly are willing to listen. Subscription
makes sense to me (and I am a huge proponent of the
Autodesk subscription program) because it is simply less
hassle and more economical. You don't have to sit
through demos, meet with sales guys, you get an
automatic upgrade and you can plan on how much it is
going to cost. If you are not on automatic
subscription, you are probably kicking yourself right
now...Autodesk is releasing all these shiny new
programs and you are sitting on the sidelines arguing
with your boss about why you should upgrade. Get a
subscription and the argument is over.
Learn more about the Microsoft Action Pack... »
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Maximizing Columns in the Layer Manager
If you right click on a column or the header bar in the
Layer Manager, you have the option to maximize the
selected column or all the columns.
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DWF Interface Added to Styles Manager Dialog in ADT 2007
It used to be you got a very basic preview in the
Styles Manager dialog in ADT, but ADT 2007 introduces
a great new world.
Just right click in the preview pane and you get the
standard DWF short-cut menu. This allows you to
really check out your style definition before you move
on.
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