Autocad

**nsmith** · March 22nd, 2006

I just started using Ubuntu, Yesterday. So far I like what I see. I am wondering if there are CAD programms that I can use for Ubuntu? I currently use AutoCAD 2006 on Windows 2000 professional.

I am a network administrator and am looking to substitute my windows network for Ubuntu/Linux. Any suggestions? What is the easiest and less painful way?

Thanks

**chuckyp** · March 22nd, 2006

Try using system>adiminstration>Synaptic Package Manager. From yoru gnome menu. From within there you can search for CAD it will show you a list of availible packages to install.

As for part 2 you can use samba to interact with windows networks.

**Piggah** · March 22nd, 2006

Well, there is QCad, but I don't know how well it measures up to AutoCAD.

There really aren't too many great CAD programs for Linux right now..

**LKRaider** · March 22nd, 2006

Look at this thread: My Ubuntu CAD station

Cycas CAD looks like the best choice for architectural work (my area). For engeneering, I don't really know.

**gymsmoke** · March 25th, 2006

LK~
That's a great looking package! (CYCAS)
Does the gnu version work well compared to a 'paid' version? I'd like to give this a trial run...
(I'm running 5.10 atm) ...

**LKRaider** · March 25th, 2006

I don't know much about the CYCAS package, other than it looks very promising, as I am forced to work on Autocad (yes, I dual-boot).

The public version seems to lack import filters for Autocad's dxf and 3ds, some exporting filters, restricts plotting size (size A4 max) and is for non-commerical use only.

**LKRaider** · March 25th, 2006

[delete this message - double post]

**LKRaider** · March 25th, 2006

Found another interesting CAD application:
http://www.graphiteone-cad.com

It seems mostly turned to mechanical engeneering, but looks like a fully featured CAD app.
And the free version equals the commercial version in functionality.

**adie273** · March 25th, 2006

Just a thought here...

Have you tried AutoCAD on Ubuntu using Wine?

I read somewhere about a company in Africa putting in a lot of work helping with Wine so that it could run AutoCAD because they personally felt AutoCAD was the best, but at the same time wanted to cut costs by switching from Windows to Linux.