Name of free Auto Cad program?

Hobie · November 28, 2011, 09:01:19 AM

Several years ago someone posted the name of a free AutoCad similar program. It was the free version of a more powerful commercial for purchase version. Anyone remember the name?? It was not Google Sketch-up. I've been searching the site but nothing yet. Thanks in advance.

rv_safetyman · November 28, 2011, 10:59:30 AM

Whenever I am looking for LEGAL free software, I look for programs developed within the "Open Source Initiative": http://www.opensource.org/ For example, I no longer use any of the Microsoft Office applications. Instead I use the "Open Office Suite". It is just as powerful and is free. All MS files are compatible with Open Office with the exception of Publisher files. There are lots of very powerful programs within the initiative including one that is pretty close to Photo Shop.

I did a Google search with this string: "open source" + cad and got several hits. It looks like there are at least a couple of cad programs. In the search you will find some forum threads that might also give you some insight.

Jim

Hobie · November 28, 2011, 12:14:02 PM

Found it:

http://www.doublecad.com/Products/DoubleCADXTv3/tabid/1100/Default.aspx

Oonrahnjay · November 28, 2011, 12:42:06 PM

Quote from: rv_safetyman on November 28, 2011, 10:59:30 AM(snip) I no longer use any of the Microsoft Office applications. Instead I use the "Open Office Suite".

Yes, same here. I bought a computer partly because it was advertised "Microsoft Office 2011 pre-installed". When I opened it for spreadsheets, it said "Trial Version - Good for 30 Days; to Purchase the Full Edition, Log on, Price $179". I immediately went to "Open Office Suite" (deleted all the MO off my hard disk) and never looked back.

pipopak · November 28, 2011, 03:26:48 PM

Quote from: Oonrahnjay on November 28, 2011, 12:42:06 PM
Quote from: rv_safetyman on November 28, 2011, 10:59:30 AM(snip) I no longer use any of the Microsoft Office applications. Instead I use the "Open Office Suite".

Yes, same here. I bought a computer partly because it was advertised "Microsoft Office 2011 pre-installed". When I opened it for spreadsheets, it said "Trial Version - Good for 30 Days; to Purchase the Full Edition, Log on, Price $179". I immediately went to "Open Office Suite" (deleted all the MO off my hard disk) and never looked back.

I switched to Linux, everything is free, had not a virus in 2+ years (no antivirus either), no "blue screen of death", there is a "LibreCad" available, has good rating reviews. The merchants of Redmond can keep their stuff, I am not coming back!.

James77MCI8 · November 28, 2011, 04:06:55 PM

Google DraftIt

Bob Belter · November 28, 2011, 09:18:15 PM

Ahoy, Hobie,

OK, Not free, but low cost:

I bought a computer with AutoCad 2008(?) installed which I lost due to a glitch. Not recovered -- what to do?

. So, I took a community college computer course in AutoCad, and Solidworks -- Monterey community College ---

The course was very worthwhile, and I learned a great deal. As a student, you can get free versions of the software, but more importsnt, you are able to buy 'Educational versions' of this software for about $100-$200 bucks. The Autocad version does NOT expire. (The Solidworks does). So -- I have AutoCad 2011, and AutoCad Inventor on my computer. The ONLY difference from the commercial version, other than about $4,000 bucks each, is that the student version prints 'Educational product of AutoDesk' or some-such on all sides of a print-out. When I save my files as Autocad LT98 , the Educational product print disappears. Not of great impotance to 'retired Bob' but of interest to others.

I've not done a great amount of work with 'Inventor', but it seems to handle a lot like SolidWorks -- A very powerful program. I bought my programs from: sales@genesis-technologies.com in Texas.

Works well for me, and you have a fully featured program with updates and support.

Enjoy Bob