AutoCAD 2005 For Dummies

Rating:
Summary: A helpful guide and reference book.
Review: I was looking for an AutoCAD reference book that is helpful for two types of user. First, for users who do not use AutoCAD regularly who at times has to be able to perform certain tasks to some AutoCAD files, usually without any technical assistance.

Secondly, for technical managers who do not use AutoCAD, but need to keep him/herself up-to-date with the current technology.

I found Mark's book addresses the needs of both users nicely. The book is divided into parts that cover different types of task required when putting a CAD drawing together. From file setup, basic drawing commands, text and dimension, to xref and paperspace, the book gives readers an overview of this powerful tool in an organized manner.

The "New in 2005" icon is very handy. By flipping through the book and looking for this icon, one can quickly scan the whole book and get an idea of what's new in this version, and their key benefit.

The book includes useful information that is handy to have. Did you ever need to know exactly what is an ANSI E size sheet? Go to Table 3-2, and you'll find the Common Plot Sheet Sizes.

The "WARNING" sign is something that readers should not ignore. Paragraphs tagged with warning icon are helpful advises to avoid painful consequences.

I found Table 5-1 very handy. For AutoCAD Drawing Commands toolbar, this table listed the Button, Command Name, Major Options, and Menu Command Name on one page for reference. I wish there are more tables like this one to cover other major toolbars such as Modify, etc.

Overall, I found the book easy to read, and I enjoy the humorous touches that is always a plus to dry technical material that we are dealing with.


Rating:
Summary: From Dummy to Smarty
Review: This book is guaranteed to make you an AutoCAD smarty! I teach AutoCAD courses and I'm recommending this book to students for its step-by-step approach; clear organization prioritizing the information between essential and advanced tips or warnings, etc.; helpful and abundant graphics and screen shots; advice that could only come from professional experience, letting us know what is the best way to use this software, instead of just hurling every possible method at us without any guidance; coverage of drafting, design, and project management issues related to the software; coverage of the fun stuff like 3D, etc. And best of all, the book has a great sense of humor! Written in a warm, conversational tone, with humorous as well as frank commentary, this book will make you realize that you are being guided by a real person who is giving you the inside story on how we really use AutoCAD day to day in the workplace.



Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: When I make a decision about whether to buy a book, I look through it to see if there is enough useful information to be worth my time and money. Here are some of my impressions of this book.

AutoCAD is one of the most complex and powerful programs I have ever seen. Middlebrook is clearly very knowledgeable, but remembers what it's like to be a beginner and is able to write from the point of view of someone who is poking the buttons in this program for the first time. There are often several ways to do things with AutoCAD and it was great to see tips about the easiest way for a novice to do them. For instance, this is the only place I have seen a concise list of steps for producing a plot.

Another thing I enjoyed about the book is the perspective. In the first part of the book there is some historical perspective of CAD in general which is helpful if your trying to decide what cad program to invest your time and money in or whether it's time to upgrade to the latest version of AutoCAD. In later parts of the book that gets into the nuts and bolts, you not only see how to do particular things with the program, you come away with a sense of why the program works the way it does.

He also writes from a non-AutoDesk point of view. I got the feeling that I was getting good information rather than the company line as well as some tips that I wouldn't expect to find in the program manuals or the online help.

It's very readable, which is a rare thing considering the technical subject. There is a sense of humor and it is a pleasure to read. I wouldn't want to try and learn or use this program without the manuals, but I wouldn't want to try it without this book either and a decision about buying this book was pretty easy.