Mar 25, 2008

Open Source Alternative to AutoCAD

Hey guys, I thought I would take a quick break from studying for Security+ to do a post. I found a really cool open source alternative to AutoCAD, which as you may or may not know is a really, really expensive design program. Companies use AutoCAD to design all sorts of things from machinery to buildings. The full version of AutoCAD costs upwards of $4,000. The light version of AutoCAD costs a measly $800. That may not seem expensive to you, but to me that is crazy expensive.

Well, you all know me and what a cheap skate I am. I personally follow the motto, "If it is free, it is for me!" That especially goes for software. I am a big fan of freeware, and particularly open source software.

This software is no different. I like it because it is free. It is called gCAD3D, and comes in flavors for Windows and Linux. From the website:


gCAD3D has its own
  • import-/ export-programs,
  • integrated 3D-OpenGL-viewer,
  • programinterpreter for geometry and NC-commands in 3D,
  • integrated NC-processor.
  • programminginterface for userprograms (plugins)


Here are a few screen shots so you can have an idea of what they can offer you:


free alternative to autocad

free alternative to autocad

free alternative to autocad
Now I am not a designer so I personally have no use for AutoCAD, but a lot of people in my company use it a lot. Have you used AutoCAD? What do you use it for? Do you think you could use gCAD3D instead? Let me know in the comments.



Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | stopping spam