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:







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.