SolidWorks 2004: The Basics--A Working Knowledge of SolidWorks

Rating:
Summary: This is the one for A Basics Working Knowledge of SolidWorks
Review: It is very confusing when you are new to a software package to decide on the correct book to purchase. I did a search on Amazon.com and found over 75 hits on books using or teaching SolidWorks. I also went to the SolidWorks website. Are the basic books that basic? Are the advance books only for an advance user? What is the definition of an advance user?

I saw this book, The Basics: A working knowledge of SolidWorks and the title interested me. I saw that Planchard and Planchard has numerous SolidWorks books and has been writing them since 1998 and they are Solution Partners with SolidWorks. I purchased two of their books, this one and the Engineering Design with SolidWorks 2004. Both are great books, but I am using this one now, and will use the other one once I better understand the software and I have more time with it.

This book is the easier of the two for a new user. The book provides a quick and precise introduction to SolidWorks by creating a simple flashlight model. It does not try to cover everything, this is good for a new user, this is why you need more than one book. There are clear directions and the book provides a lot of illustrations and screen shots to help a basic user for the first time. As a new user, I do not like it when the author assumes that I know things. This is why I like this book. I like the layout, it is very clear and provides an easy step-by-step environment. There are no assumptions!!! At the end of each chapter there is a section on what I did and how it will lead me to the next activity.

The CD in the book reinforces the written text and provides additional examples for me to address. The CD is a great supplement.


Rating:
Summary: Another good book for SolidWorks
Review: This the second of two good books that I have purchased from Planchard and Planchard in the past two months. I enjoy their step-by-step learning approach. They use graphic window screen shots and tool icons to help you in difficult design areas. They have you made real parts and assemblies. The book is easy to follow with the bold command logic. I would recommend this book to anyone new to SolidWorks