Back in the late 1980s I used to use the venerable AutoCAD R12 on an IBM 286PC - I don't recall how many Hz. It worked. It was fast enough. It allowed parametric modelling.
Now, nearly 20 years later, I have a computer that is faster (233Mhz) more memory (48Mb) it has a CD rom drive, and TWO hard discs of 1.7 & 4 Gb. OK, so this is my spare attic ware box, cos I can't get at the popular boxes everybody else is hogging!
I would like to run CAD, not today's all singing all dancing version, solid object modelling, but one that works, that produces a format others can understand (eg DXF), that can produce drawings - what a novelty! It doesn't have to read AutoCAD 2006!
I would also like to run Linux, instead of the previous 98.
I have tried Peanut (a.Linux) to no avail, as it doesn't recognise my monitor (refresh rates are outside the range that Pnut accepts). I am currently running dsl, but I can't figure how to allow sufficient authorisation to be able to install gtk, let alone any CAD or GAIM. I have tried thru root and thru 'dsl' logins, dsl gets further, but won't let anything settle. I'm coming to the conclusion it just won't work as a hard disk install.
On my other linux box, I have settled with Mandrake 10.0, and it works fine, but again I can't figure how to allow sufficient authorisation to install anything. I did run Fedora Core 3, but when the monitor died and was replaced, I couldn't get a graphical screen at all. I tried Debian (Woody) but gave up. The games were better with Fedora! (for the kids
)
Unfortunately, I want everything, and I want it now. I have insufficient time, wife, kids, a job, to start learning as much as I already know about M$.
I'd really appreciate some advice for a newbie who is really impressed with everything he's tried on linux so far, but only wants CAD.
So, which
CAD do you recommend? 2D stuff only is necessary, of the Open Source type.
Which Distro to support it?
Thank you
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Open Source does not only apply to software!
