Ubuntu 14.04 LTS is the new LTS version of Ubuntu and it will be available on its final state later this month. 64-bit LTS versions are ideal for someone who wants to built a modern CAD workstation but unfortunately DraftSight comes on a 32-bit version only. Ubuntu provides support for running 32-bit applications on a 64-bit OS but DraftSight's installer doesn't support this functionality which is known as multiarch support. However the installation of DraftSight on a 64-bit Ubuntu 14.04 LTS system is possible with a few tweaks.
Apr 10, 2014
Migration Assistant: Intro
While Microsoft's support for Windows XP has officially ended since April 8th, many users are about to examine the migration to a different free OS instead of upgrading to a new version of Windows and/or buying new hardware. Linux migration can save a lot of money especially for small offices. However, a successful migration is a demanding process and it isn't possible for all users. Before you migrate to a different OS you have to be a 100% sure that your new configuration can satisfy all your needs. Having tested the new environment before is necessary.
This series of posts will provide you helpful instructions about how to test the possibility of migrating your CAD-related working environment to Linux.
Some basic guidelines for a successful migration:
Linux is a different OS:
This is the most important thing that you must keep in mind while you are trying to migrate to Linux. Some things are similar or even same but there are some significant differences between Linux and Windows.
CAD users mainly need good and powerful CAD applications and not necessarily a good OS:
Even if you are familiar with Linux there is a possibility that the available applications cannot satisfy your needs. Linux has some great choices for CAD applications and most users may find these alternatives very capable. But since not all the CAD applications are available for Linux some users simply cannot migrate.
Linux is not only for older PCs:
Linux runs great on newer computers too. Even if you believe that you have to buy new hardware, Linux can be your choice for a powerful CAD workstation.
Older Hardware vs Capable hardware:
Linux is less resource hungry than Windows and it can be customized in order to have even less hardware requirements but this doesn't mean that it will magically make modern CAD applications run smoothly on ancient hardware.
Combine and use many different applications:
Instead of using one application for all the things you do, you may find useful combining different applications. Typically they can give you better results. And do not ignore FOSS applications. They can be useful and adequate for many people.
This series of posts will help you to:
This series of posts will provide you helpful instructions about how to test the possibility of migrating your CAD-related working environment to Linux.
Some basic guidelines for a successful migration:
Linux is a different OS:
This is the most important thing that you must keep in mind while you are trying to migrate to Linux. Some things are similar or even same but there are some significant differences between Linux and Windows.
CAD users mainly need good and powerful CAD applications and not necessarily a good OS:
Even if you are familiar with Linux there is a possibility that the available applications cannot satisfy your needs. Linux has some great choices for CAD applications and most users may find these alternatives very capable. But since not all the CAD applications are available for Linux some users simply cannot migrate.
Linux is not only for older PCs:
Linux runs great on newer computers too. Even if you believe that you have to buy new hardware, Linux can be your choice for a powerful CAD workstation.
Older Hardware vs Capable hardware:
Linux is less resource hungry than Windows and it can be customized in order to have even less hardware requirements but this doesn't mean that it will magically make modern CAD applications run smoothly on ancient hardware.
Combine and use many different applications:
Instead of using one application for all the things you do, you may find useful combining different applications. Typically they can give you better results. And do not ignore FOSS applications. They can be useful and adequate for many people.
This series of posts will help you to:
- Choose the appropriate distro/DE based on several software/hardware configurations.
- Choose compatible hardware in case you need to buy new hardware.
- Examine the possibility to migrate on an alternative Linux-based configuration.
- Create Multi-OS configurations.
- Getting familiar with the new environment.
- Troubleshooting common problems.
Mar 27, 2014
DraftSight V1R5.1 is out.
An update for DraftSight, the popular free DWG based CAD from Dassault Systemes, is now available. V1R5.1 comes with no major changes and unfortunately doesn't fix the bug with non-English characters.
Feb 13, 2014
BricsCAD V14 for Linux is out !!!
Today Bricsys announced the availability of BricsCAD V14 for Linux. This new release has a lot of new features and improvements.
Jan 21, 2014
DraftSight V1R5 is out with a lot of changes
DraftSight V1R5 has been released and its Linux version has some significant changes.
Most important of all is the change of the package name and the new locations of files and folders.
Most important of all is the change of the package name and the new locations of files and folders.
Dec 25, 2013
Nov 30, 2013
ARES CE gets a new major upgrade but...
Graebert released a new major upgrade for the ARES CE dwg-based CAD program. This new version comes with major changes and as the company claims it also has performance improvements. Unfortunately, the Linux version is garbage. It's impossible to run the software under Linux and in some cases even the installation isn't possible . I spent a lot of time trying different combinations of software and hardware. I tried Ubuntu 12.04 LTS 64bit and 13.10 32bit with both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, with or without proprietary drivers, without any success at all. I also tried various workarounds but probably this is a problematic Linux release of ARES CE. It seems that Linux users have to wait for a fixed version in order to run the new release and test its new features under their favorite OS.
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