Advice needed

I need to get up to speed on AutoCad 2005 as quickly as possible. I'm
not seeking proficiency, just marginal capability and some familiarity
with the features and methods.

Can anyone recommend the right books for me to start with?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jan Widome

 

Starting from what base? If it's any AutoCAD at all, the online What's New
should do it.
If you're starting from nothing that won't work. (Can't advise, haven't read
a book on CAD in 10 years)

 

I get it - you don't want to learn how to land - just to make turns!


If it's for some sort of practical use, I don't think AutoCad is a good
program to know "a little" of. It requires a fair amount of investment to
start getting return. There are simpler programs available, which give faster
results.

Now if it's for a management purpose - you have to manage some aspect of a
business, and you want some basic proficiency in the methods they are using,
that's different. There are a multitude books out there - hard to single one
out as being "better". Many use a similar approach - Present a general
"project" and walk you through the different stages. By the time the whole
thing is drawn, you will have been introduced to a certain number of basic
methods and principles.

Personally, I'm not sure this is the best approach. Just because you have
followed a "connect-the-dots" approach to drawing a baby buggy, doesn't mean
you have mastered each of the principles introduced. I like the method of the
more traditional mechanical drawing texts - where you draw one hundred
different blocks of different shapes - using more repetition and slower
introduction of new methods and principles.

In chosing a book, look at the teaching method adopted to see what suits you
best. Then check the scope of the work - decide whether you need to get into
3D stuff etc. What about plotting - a subject in itself. To treat it properly
requires half a book. So try to find a book with a method and scope that suits
your objectives.

G Faris

 

I'm computer-literate and I've played with v10, 11, 12 (DOS & Windows),
but production work I farmed out. My own production work is still paper
and lead and ink on mylar for presentation or heavy duty drawings.

What's New seemed to be a bit above me - I really need a refresher on
the basics.

Does that help?

Jan

 

I think that's very, very wise advice. Thanks much.

Jan

 

Then you want a book. 10 years ago I had some success with a book by George
Omura, which ahs morphed over the years. I think it was called Mastering
AutoCAD.
It's a how-to book, from basics to moderately advanced stuff.

 

The Mastering AutoCAD books are good but then you have to take sometime and
draw something. Even if its your house, apartment, whatever as a read thru
the book with using it won't get you very far.

K.Murray

 

You are a nice guy. Thanks.

Jan