My Photo

Search

  • Search over 1500 posts

Latest Images

  • www.flickr.com
    S.Hurley's photos More of S.Hurley's photos

New AutoCAD Knowledge Base Articles

Feeds & Misc.

  • Add to Google
  • Over 8 million visitors since 2003!

Blog Tags

  • Read Between the Lines!

    Read -Between the Lines!

    Add a Between the Lines Image Badge to your site.
    Click Here

Blog powered by TypePad
Member since 08/2003

« August 2006 | Main | October 2006 »

25 posts from September 2006

28 September 2006

64 bit and AutoCAD?

I have received many emails and searches to this blog regarding AutoCAD and 64 bit. One of the biggest misconceptions is that 64 bit will increase the units precision beyond the current 16 decimals or 64 bit floating point which AutoCAD has supported since the 80's. I even wrote a blog article about the 64 bit accuracy misconception a few years ago.

The benefits of 64 bit hardware with a 64 bit Windows operating system is mainly for the increased addressable memory for very large files as the floating point of 64 bit CPUs has not changed for Intel or AMD. Performance is not really a comparison differentiation point unless of course you have been using HUGE files where it has been swapping to disk. Some performance gains may be realized simply because many 64 bit machines have a faster bus, memory, and I/O than most of the 32 bit machines that most have.

Currently you can run the 32 bit AutoCAD on 64 bit hardware with a 32 bit operating system but not the 64 bit operating systems. We at Autodesk are researching multi-core processors, Windows Vista compatibility, and 64 bit support for future releases of AutoCAD.

If we do have a 64 bit AutoCAD in the future it will be made available first for customers to beta test for those approved beta sites registered at http://myfeedback.autodesk.com.

Remove all AutoCAD®from a system to ensure clean installation

Helpful Knowledge Base article. LINK
Remove all Autodesk® software products from system to ensure clean installation

ID: TS45252

Applies to:
AutoCAD® 2007
AutoCAD® 2006
AutoCAD® 2005
AutoCAD® 2004
AutoCAD® 2002
AutoCAD® 2000
AutoCAD LT® 2007
AutoCAD LT® 2006
AutoCAD LT® 2005
AutoCAD LT® 2004
AutoCAD LT® 2002
AutoCAD LT® 2000i
AutoCAD LT® 2000

Issue
There are occasions when Autodesk® software products may experience installation problems after failed installs or uninstalls of other Autodesk products. In these cases, it is recommended that you completely remove all Autodesk products from the system and then attempt the new installation on the cleaned system.
Solution

This solution explains how to uninstall your Autodesk software products and remove any remnants of these products from the system. The end result is a clean system on which you can install your new Autodesk product.

Architectural Desktop 2007 Service Pack Available

"Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2007 Service Pack 1 continues Autodesk's commitment to quality for our customers by improving upon a number of features within the product, some of which include, Construction Lines, Doors,Inserting DXF Files, Multi-View Blocks, Project Management, Properties Palette, Reference Keynote Legend, Roof Slabs, Spaces, Stairs, Style Manager, Tool Palettes, Windows while also addressing early customer feedback."

 

LINK


Readme (html - 75 Kb)

25 September 2006

Secure Your Wireless

I visited my mother this weekend in Idaho and found her wireless unsecured and changed it. My suggestions at the very least are to change the router name, enable WEP, and do not broadcast you SSID to your neighbors or those within range.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networkin...

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/kimkomando/...

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,844020,00.asp

http://www.net-security.org/article.php?id=811

http://www.lifehacker.com/software/security/todo-s...

http://arstechnica.com/guides/tweaks/home-802.11b....

 

I also had my oldest son with me who recently got his learners permit to drive (Ugh). I let him drive most of the way back from Idaho and while he did fine and safe there were a few white knuckle incidents for me being overly sensitive. He has to log 100 hours of driving with me before he can get his license. I feel so old.

Cheers,
Shaan

Look out for "Good Day" Email Virus.. :-(

There is an email virus going around in Zip attachments and usually with the email subject line of "Good Day".

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory...

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/bulletins/200609.mspx

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060926/ap_on_hi_te/mi...

Be careful...update your anti virus.

22 September 2006

CAD Midwest Technology Expo and Kansas City AutoCAD Users Group

Mmmmm Kansas City Bar-B-Que time! I will be there arriving the afternoon of October 10th 2006 and then presenting on the 11th and departing early afternoon on the 12th.


Myself, Abhi Singh and Bud Schroeder will be presenting as guest speakers at the event.


I will also (hopefully) be meeting the Kansas City AutoCAD Users Group
http://www.kcaug.com/

I hope to see you there. Make sure to chase me down and chat.

Cheers,
Shaan

21 September 2006

Wow, the List Of Autodesk Company Blogs Grows, Time to Set the Kanga Video Free!

I remember back a few years ago being a guinea pig and starting this blog. There were quite a few people thinking I was nuts (they were right) but I knew it would be fun and a great way to connect with people and also spread information and share knowledge. Now the list of Autodesk company blogs has grown to 20 21 great blogs. I guess the idea was a good one and my guinea pig testing succeeded and caught on. I now also watch/read over 300 CAD related blogs and remember when the only CAD related blog feed was mine. There are some great CAD bloggers out there and even a few press people figured out that monthly or weekly news was to slow and blogging brought news up to the minute as well as places a face. I remember one member of press asking me how I got other to start blogging about Autodesk products, I told them I didn't, the people just did it. Blogging is a powerful medium and far more powerful than a few years ago when some were saying blogs, baaah they are just a fad. While bloggers are not really quote unquote journalists, in many cases they are users in the same field/industry or using the products in real working environments and provide tips and tricks that benefit many more in the CAD using community. This post is not a "toot my horn" post but one of reflection on the viral growth and spread over the years of blogging and also to mention the cool 19 other Autodesk blogs. I still need to get my list of other CAD blogs on a new page as I had far too many for my blogs sidebar.

Perhaps an unofficial Autodesk University bloggers get together is in order. We could set a time and place and all meet and mingle. I want to see if someone in Autodesk can get some ribbons for bloggers attending AU.

Oh and for fun to celebrate the 20 21 blogs watermark, I thought it was time to share and set free the sad/pathetic video of me being beat up by a kangaroo. After review of the film evidence, I see I did indeed deserve the whooping. I was annoying him then I tried to prevent him from escaping through a gate while visiting an animal reserve North of Sydney Australia this year.

Make sure your speakers are on as Scott Sheppard of the DWF blog provided some music in the background. Sing it Scott! ;-)

Link to .wmv Kanga Video (4.5Mb)
No animals were harmed in the making of this film.

Autodesk Blogs http://www.autodesk.com/blogs


3D Roadie
Stream of consciousness about 3D
Host: Shawn Hendriks, Special Projects Manager



AutoCAD Insider
Taking CAD Concepts to the Next Level
Host: Heidi Hewett, AutoCAD Technical Marketing Manager



Between the Lines
AutoCAD & More Blog
Host: Shaan Hurley



Between the Walls
Autodesk Architectural Desktop Blog
Host: Chris Yanchar, Desktops Product Design Manager


Beyond the Paper
DWF Blog
Host: Scott Sheppard, Engineering Project Manager



Between the Poles
Geospatial in the Real World
Host: Geoff Zeiss



Controlling the Machine
AutoCAD Electrical
Host: Nate Holt, Tech Lead–AutoCAD Electrical



The Dave and Dan Civil 3D Show
Autodesk Civil 3D and the civil engineering marketplace
Hosts: Dan Philbrick, Software Development Manager; Dave Simeone, Sr. Product Manager



The Dirt
Map It, Move It, Manage It, Roll in It
Host: Pete Kelsey, Technical Evangelist


Blog_6

Drawing the Machine
Mechanical drafting and design
Host: Andrew de Leon



Duncan's Corner
Tips on creating 3D imagery using Autodesk Maya
Host: Duncan Brinsmead, Principal Scientist



The Evangelist Speaks
Manufacturing Solutions
Host: Kevin Schneider



In the Machine
Autodesk Inventor
Hosts: Amy Bunszel, Inventor Product Line Manager; Garin Gardiner



Lynn Allen's blog
Host: Lynn Allen



Maxed Out
Autodesk 3ds Max
Hosts: Kelcey Simpson, Product Designer; Ken Pimentel, Senior Product Manager



Mayalicious
Autodesk Maya
Host: Cory Mogk


MotionBuilder
Host: Curtis Garton, Product Manager



Plan-It Autodesk
A blog for and about "Project Planners"
Host: Gene Roe, Ph.D., P.E. and LLS



Through the Interface
Developer blog
Host: Kean Walmsley, Senior Manager—Developer Technical Services



Under the Hood
Autodesk Vault & Autodesk Productstream
Host: Grant Rochelle, Product Manager—Data Management



Wicked Cool Stuff
A blog on all the Wicked Cool Stuff in the Civil 3D world.
Host: Anthony Governanti 


Blog_6
Drawing the Machine
Mechanical drafting and design
Host: Andrew de Leon

James Wedding and His Annual Golf Event at AU 2006

5th Annual AU Duffer's Anonymous Open. James has organized this for a few years and I have seen the bloodshot eyes and sun burns as proof they had a ton of fun. My time is so limited at AU with so many things going on I have not been able to attend myself. perhaps it is best I did not attend as I am dangerous on a golf course. I could either wound someone with a stray shot or roll a golf cart like I did many years ago. I mainly prefer to guard the coolers when golfing. If you are attending AU and want to meet a great group of people this is a great opportunity. Who knows maybe this will be the year I decide to show and bounce a few balls off the clubhouse or a innocent bystander.

Link to James' Blog Post

4th Annual Duffers Anon Open from AU 2005

4th Annual AU Duffer's Anonymous Open

20 September 2006

Robert Green's Annual CAD Manager Survey

Robert Green is a well known CAD Management expert, consultant, and writer for Cadalyst Magazine and his CAD Manager's Newsletters. He currently has a survey for CAD Managers and the more that take the survey the more accurate the survey will be.

If you are a CAD Manager please take a moment to take the survey.

www.cad-manager.com/survey.htm

19 September 2006

Pete's Got a Blog, and it is Dirty

What is the world coming to? :-)
I am referring to Autodesk ISD Civil 3D Technical Evangelist Pete Kelsey and his new blog entitled "The Dirt".

Pete is also one of the most wicked guitarist and has played many Autodesk Universities in the band Dr. Ruth. Pete is a great and knowledgeable guy. I just wish I had some of his hair as he seems to be getting more each year, while I seem to be getting less.

Pete Kelsey

From AU 2004

Awesome Dr. Ruth Band AU 2004 Band Dr. Ruth

http://petekelsey.typepad.com/

Welcome to the not so dark-side Pete!

AutoCAD 2007 Tips and Tricks Screencast with Lynn Allen

You can view the recorded screencast by Lynn Allen for an insider's look at AutoCAD® 2007.

Link to AutoCAD 2007 Screencast

Link to Lynn's Blog

18 September 2006

Autodesk Labs New Addition: Feature Recognition for Autodesk Inventor 11

There is a new Autodesk Labs (http://labs.autodesk.com/) addition for Autodesk® Inventor 11 users.

Here is the official description:
"Use this application to convert neutral 3D CAD (STEP, SAT or IGES Solids) models into fully featured Autodesk® Inventor™ 11 models. Feature mapping can be executed automatically or interactively as needed to maintain design intent."

There are other Autodesk Labs addition coming in the future so subscribe to the RSS feed on the labs page or check back often and spread the word.

Regards,
Shaan

14 September 2006

Microsoft Windows Vista Release Candidate 1

The flood gates have opened once again for public participation in the beta of the next release of Microsoft Windows. Windows Vista beta of Release Candidate 1 is available for download at just over 2Gig or you can order a DVD at $3.

Windows Vista Preview Site

 

Windows Vista

AutoCAD 2007 Graphics Hardware Database Update

The AutoCAD Hardware Certification Database file contains the latest data that AutoCAD uses for optimizing the performance of graphics hardware.

http://www.autodesk.com/autocad-graphicscard

http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=DL7440746

The current version of the Hardware Certification Database is: 1.1.1.4. If the version of the local copy of your database is older than the current version then your database needs to be updated.

Affected Products
AutoCAD® 2007
AutoCAD® Electrical 2007
AutoCAD® Mechanical 2007
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2007
Autodesk® Building Systems 2007
Autodesk® Civil 3D® 2007
Autodesk Inventor® Professional 11 (1)
Autodesk Inventor® Series 11 (1)
Autodesk® Land Desktop 2007
Autodesk Map® 3D 2007
Autodesk® AutoCAD® Revit® Series Building 9.x (2)
Autodesk® AutoCAD® Revit® Series Structure 3.x (2)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Apply this patch only if the installation includes AutoCAD Mechanical 2007 or Autodesk Mechanical Desktop 2007.
(2) Apply this patch only if the installation includes AutoCAD 2007.

Changes from the previous database

Changes to version 1.1.1.4

  • Smooth Line display is disabled for ATI cards using driver 6618.

    Note: It is recommended that you disable the Smooth Line display feature when OpenGL is configured for a non-certified ATI card that uses a driver different than 6613.
  • ATI Radeon cards are now Supported for AutoCAD when using drivers 6606 and 6618 (Catalyst 6.4 and 6.6). These cards do not support the Selection Area display fill area. If you see artifacts when using the Selection Area, you can turn it off setting SELECTIONAREA to 0.
  • The following tables display new graphic cards and drivers that have been added to version 1.1.1.4. The tables also show existing graphics cards whose drivers have been updated since version 1.1.1.3. 
    Click here to view the complete list of certified graphic cards and drivers.

13 September 2006

Autodesk University 2006 Las Vegas Update

Hopefully you have already got your AU 2006 reservations and classes setup because if you have not you may be in another hotel due to the mighty Venetian hotel being filled up by AU attendees. Yes it appears to be another record setting AU attendance year.

I just got word that my team (the MyFeedback Team) will have a space on the AU exhibit floor. Now I need to start planning for what to give out. We are looking into special ribbons to attach to the AU badge for members of the MyFeedback projects which include all Autodesk products in beta and future product discussions. You can sign up at http://myfeedback.autodesk.com but we will also have a machine where you can sign up while at AU. Now I need to see if I can have some fun gizmos to give away as well.

For the past several years my team has paid for some customers to attend AU all expenses paid including travel. This year is no exception and we have an offer for active members of the AutoCAD Futures and AutoCAD betas to attend AU. We also gave away several AU discounts.

Trivia: The Venetian Resort Hotel when constructed was designed using AutoCAD R14.

Hope to see you at AU!

11 September 2006

Konichiwa: Autodesk University Japan 2006 on November 7th, 2006

『Autodesk University』(AU)は、日頃オートデスク製品をご愛顧いただいているユーザのみなさまを対象に、米国では10年以上開催されているオートデスク最大のイベントです。
そのAUを『Autodesk University Japan 2006』として、米国に次ぎ世界に先駆け日本で開催することとなりました。
『Autodesk University』とは、「学び」と「交流」の場。

-「学び」の場-

従来のオートデスク製品紹介イベントとは趣が異なります。日々のみなさまの実務に役立つヒントやコツ、テキストには書いてない「目から鱗」のようなテクニック、業務改善・効率化をサポートする情報を幅広くご提供いたします。また「アイデアをかたちに」されたお客様の事例や最新ソリューションもご紹介いたします。新しい知識の習得と新しい発見の場、それがAUの基本精神です。

-「交流」の場-

オートデスクから一方的に情報を提供するのではなく、ユーザ様同士が交流を深め、情報を交換する場として欲しい。それがもうひとつのAUの願いです。AUは多くの分野からオートデスク ユーザのみなさまが集まる大切な機会。ユーザ様同士を繋ぎ、交流を深めるきっかけ作りをAUがお手伝いいたします。

今回日本で初めて産声を上げた『Autodesk University Japan』。ユーザのみなさまと一緒に作り上げ、育てて行きたいと思っております。みなさまのご参加を心よりお待ちしております。

Link to Autodesk University Japan 2006

Also read Yuri's blog about AU Japan.
Yuri Weblog AU in Japan アーカイブ

AUGI Free Classes for September 2006 Start Today

Thanks to the heads up by Mike Perry.

It's still not too late to sign up and enjoy free ATP Courses for September 2006, starting Monday the 11th.

On offer in the month of September...

  • ATP136 Have You Met QSelect? FastTrack - AutoCAD
  • ATP137 3D 2007: Finally! something we can ALL use - AutoCAD
  • ATP140 Creating Block Based MvParts in ABS 2006/2007 - Autodesk Buildings Systems
  • ATP 143 Implementing Dynamic Blocks - AutoCAD
  • ATP144 AutoLISP for AutoCAD - Programming
  • ATP145 Managing & Troubleshooting Xrefs & Layers - AutoCAD
  • ATP147 Managing a Library with Project Navigator - Autodesk Architectural Desktop
  • ATP160 ADT 2007 Roofs FastTrack - Autodesk Architectural Desktop
  • ATP166 AutoCAD 101- A Survival Course for Beginners - AutoCAD
To Register go to the Current ATP Courses page.

08 September 2006

MyFeedback is out :-(

We had a major failure of the MyFeedback and labs.autodesk.com servers hardware and operating system this morning. The Autodesk data center is now bring back up the mirrored backups so we can restore and get back on line. The servers should be back up this weekend and more hardware and servers added to make sure there are no more interruptions.

Regards,
Shaan

Update: The servers are back online for the most part with more work continuing.

Another AUGI Benefit: Autodesk University Handouts

You can join AUGI for free and get access to a wealth of benefits. You get to network with over 60,000 of your peers, free training classes, early Autodesk University registration and a discount, AUGI forums, and access to the Autodesk University handouts from classes from 2000 to 2004.

Link to AUGI.com AU Handouts

New Autodesk Blog: Drawing the Machine

A new AutoCAD Mechanical blog has been launched by Andrew de Leon.
http://mfgcommunity.autodesk.com/blog/andrew/

07 September 2006

Last Weekend in the Desert

Last weekend was the Labor Day Weekend here in the US. I spent mine camped in the Nevada desert near Great Basin National Park. Normally you drive through a desert and wonder what on earth could you do in the desert, well there is plenty. There is beauty in every environment even a desert and the sunsets are stunning and seem to be more colorful in the desert. I even went on a 90 minute tour of the Lehman caves which was really cool. I was on a hike and ran across an old abandoned 1800's era ranch site which was really interesting to wander through after scaring a few coyotes out of it.

A few images from the weekend were posted to my Daily Grind III photo album.

20060904_1266 20060904_1263 20060904_1251 20060903_1027 20060903_1020 20060903_1203

Cheers,
Shaan

05 September 2006

New AutoCAD 2007 Tips Posted

Check out the AutoCAD 2007 Tips page as there are some new tips and tricks available.

Link

Back to School sale on the Autodesk e-Store

Save 15% on all Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) as well as select Media & Entertainment titles covering 3ds Max, Maya and StudioTools.

Below is a list of the AutoCAD 2007 AOTC titles

AutoCAD 2007 Creating 3D Models Released 12-Apr-06
AutoCAD & LT 2007 Essentials Released 18-Apr-06
AutoCAD 2007 Transitioning From AutoCAD 2006 Released 24-Apr-06
AutoCAD 2007 Conceptual Design Released 2-Jun-06
AutoCAD 2007 Designing & Managing Dynamic Blocks Released 22-Jun-06
AutoCAD 2007 Customizing the Interface Released 25-Jul-06
AutoCAD 2007 Transitioning from AutoCAD 2002 Released 31-Aug-06
AutoCAD 2007 CAD Management Released 27-Jul-06
AutoCAD 2007 Creating Intelligent Tables and Schedules Released 2-Aug-06
AutoCAD 2007 Printing and Plotting Your Drawings Released 1-Sep-06
AutoCAD 2007 Customizing with Tool Palettes Released 5-Sep-06

Autodesk Launches students.autodesk.com for University Engineers, Architects and Designers

Beginning today, any student or faculty with a valid education email address is invited to participate in the Community. More than 6,000 students at accredited universities worldwide have already signed up as test users of the site, http://students.autodesk.com , which delivers free downloads of Autodesk® software products for architecture, industrial design, civil engineering and mechanical engineering. Soon the site will also offer resources for students in art and animation fields of study.

Some highlights:

  • Discussion Forums
  • Job Postings
  • Tips and Tutorials
  • Class Discussions

04 September 2006

"Crikey" The World Lost a Great Australian Wildlife Ambassador

Steve Irwin ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ and whom I have watched for many years on the TV, died today. He was doing what he loved exploring exotic locations and wildlife and many like myself envied and admired him as a great person with the ultimate adventure job.

I really regret not visiting Steve’s wildlife park in Queensland Australia while I was traveling in Australia this last June.

Good Bye Steve

Discovery Mourns Tragic Loss of Steve Irwin
'Crocodile Hunter' Irwin Killed by Stingray

www.crocodilehunter.com