I would add that both Rhino and VisualCADD offer free downloads to provide a
30-day test drive.

David Lee

===========================================

-----Original Message-----
From: David Lee [mailto:dslee@...]
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 09:40 AM
To: 'SolidWorks-API@yahoogroups.com'
Subject: RE: [SolidWorks-API] I'm a beginner


Greetings Anonymous Person,

I would be remiss if I didn't warn you to avoid any software publisher who
obsoletes their files after a few releases. All of those you mentioned
below do so.

For 2-D drafting and design, I recommend Visual CADD. It's reasonable
priced, powerful, well documented, easy to learn and even 12-year-old files
can still be opened by the most currant version. For more information,
check out the VCADD user's forum at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/visualcadd/ .

For 3-D (you can't do 2-D efficiently with any 3-D software I've found),
check out Rhino3D http://www.rhino3d.com/ . All of the above attributes
apply to Rhino as well.

Both packages are around $500.

SolidWorks, AutoCAD and Pro E are far to sophisticated and expensive for a
novice user. Once you get your feet wet, you can make up your own mind.

Best regards,
David Lee

==================================================

-----Original Message-----
From: tepiacapower [mailto:tepiacapower@...]
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2004 04:10 PM
To: SolidWorks-API@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [SolidWorks-API] Im a begineer


hello ,Im just starting the basics of cad systems

what advice would you give a rookie ?

Which package do you think will be most benefitial to me?

Solid works
Autocad
or
Pro E

wich one do you think I should learn ??
I want to learn the most important of the 3 ones

thanks