CompuServe Messages

Myron, Generic CADD is a superb 2D CAD system, not a 3D as ACAD is. If 3D doesn't excite you right now (it will later), then spending the extra several thousand dollars for features you don't need is pointless. GCADD 6.0 is probably available on the street for abt $300-$400. As it comes, it is completely equipped to handle -most- drafting requirements. It is a good entry level system to the field of CAD. I have found it to be easier to use for most of the drafting I do, at work and at home. It is easier to learn than ACAD, and the skills it teaches will be directly transferrable to ACAD, should that happen to occur. I believe it is available for the Mac. I get the newsletter they publish, but don't retain anything that doesn't directly interest me, sorry I can't be more specific. ScottV here should be able to fill you in on the Mac situation. The only differences in commands between GCADD and ACAD are GCADD for the most part uses a simple two letter code for all the commands, i.e, to do a Window Zoom, you type WZ. No <enter> required. In ACAD, you must type in ZOOM <enter>, then a W <enter>. 7 keystrokes versus 2. And ACAD calls the small entities you build as you get familiar with the program Blocks, which it treats as standard drawings once they're saved, Blocks, where GCADD calls them Components. Other than these examples, I find moving between the two systems quite easy.