Dedicated to CAD ManagersCADD Manager Journal
  J U L Y , 2 0 0 7
   I N   T H I S   I S S U E

What kind of CAD Manager are you? - Part 2

Book Review - AutoCAD Secrets

Survey - Desktop Hardware

 

  A R T I C L E S

What kind of CAD Manager are you? - Part 2

There are many different types of CAD Managers.  We looked at three styles of management last month and will continue the series this month.

Last time we looked at managers that appear to be Beggars.  This kind of manager ends up begging others to follow the standards and to comply with project guidelines or use the software correctly.  The second style was the Hoarder.  They keep keep too much information to themselves.  The third was the Teaser. Teasers fail to convert your words into deeds.

This month we continue with three more styles.  The Perfectionist, the Follower and the Dreamer.

Read More...


Book Review

AutoCAD - Secrets Every Users Should Know - by Dan Abbott - Sybex / Wiley Publishing Inc. 2007

Let's face it...  I have read just about every book that I could on AutoCAD over the years and thought that there was nothing new under the sun.  Well...  I stand corrected.  Dan Abbott has created a MUST READ book that you need to add to your book shelf.

AutoCAD Secrets is a refreshing change from the usual presentation of AutoCAD information, tips and tricks that is found in most of the book written.  He leaves no stone unturned in his attempt to tell you just about everything you need to know from basic to very advanced topics.

The eleven chapters of info starts off with a great chapter on AutoCAD productivity.  Every topic was discussed in plain English and directly to the point (my kind of guy!).  He covers the unspoken "boot camp" level principles and best practices of CAD with an in depth look at each topic.  As I read it - I discovered nuggets of gold that renewed my enthusiasm for "common sense" CAD.  (see my blog on this topic).  He covers the foundational precepts and practices of sound file creation and data input.  As I read I kept wondering - "Is he going to mention this or that?" and sure enough, there it was.  The bottom line guidelines that the whole world needs to be reminded of.  Chapter One alone is worth the price of the book.

He continues in chapters covering the management of your files, customization issues, graphic standards, and more.  He reviews the basics of Paper Space and Model Space, what goes where and offers sidebar tips at every turn of the page.

Covering the basics is just the starting point for him to launch into the advanced topics.  There is a complete LISP programming class that is presented in logical steps for all to use.  Plus there is actual full working code in the book - just type it in and use it.  Or better yet the book tells you where to go online to get the code.  It's like getting two books in one, plus online resources.  He finishes up with 3D topics and finally AutoCAD Puzzlers. 

AutoCAD Puzzlers is a compilation of real world problems and stumpers (he got me on quite a few).  Each taken from real questions from the many interactions he has had with students and users.  These Puzzlers are often the submittal busters that we all face at crunch time.  He presents them as questions and then provides the answer at the end of the book.  Thirty Five of the toughest questions and weird behaviors (and the answers to them all).

This ranks very very high on my list of must have books.  I applaud him for his succinct language, honest approach and real world emphasis.  Forget the new Harry Potter novel... Go buy this book!

You can get it online here for less than the $39.99 list price (US).

 

C M J  Rating - 5 out of 5 TRON Light Cycles


June 2007 Survey

Desktop Hardware

By the looks of the survey an overwhelming majority of you have desktop machines and not laptops.  Your machine is 2 years old or younger and you expect to upgrade it within two years.  You also most likely have a 19" monitor.

 

See the full results from June 2007

Take the July Survey - Where are you on this planet?
 

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CADD Manager Journal is a publication of the Core Technology Group
Editor: Mark W. Kiker
mark dot kiker at caddmanager.com © 2007 by CTG.

 
WELCOME

Summer Series

I continue my summer series of articles related to CAD Manager styles, personalities and perspectives.

Three more styles in this issue.

A book review on a new book that I totally recommend

Mark W. Kiker, Editor


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