Don't talk smack... instead give back

  I have seen smack talking about AutoCAD for as long as I have been using it. I am not one of the original users of AutoCAD nor am I a newbie. So where do I fit on the tree of using AutoCAD then... I am smack dab in the middle. I have been using AutoCAD for around 10 years. Yes, that places me in the last days of R12 DOS and the new birth of R13 for Windows. I was one of the first to embrace AutoCAD R13 at the Technical College and used R13 when I got out there on my first job. So what is all this has to do with talking smack and giving back? Well, just like you have input on what happens on your job you can have input in the software that you use.

  Autodesk is one of the companies that I know that puts a lot of time into Beta testing and making sure the products that you use are the best that they can be. If you haven't noticed over the many years that the software has gotten better and if not you might be looking too hard. Why is this? It is because of the people that are providing time to ensure the product is useful as well as those that are spending long hours in developing it. Granted they might not always hit a feature dead on the first time around, but this is no different than any other piece of software out there.

  So what can you do to help out if anything? Many of use and live by the software everyday. One of the easiest things that you can do is if you are using one of the newer versions of AutoCAD, like 2004 or 2005, is to submit the Error Reports if they generated. This helps to identify what might be the results of some bad part of a drawing or a defect in the software. These then can be fixed with Service Packs or in a future release of the software. These errors may originate from a third-party application or even a file that is generated out of some other application that can export to a DWG file. AutoCAD and Autodesk products are not the only applications that can create DWG files.

  There are other things that you can do to make the software better. If you have an idea for an enhancement you can add it to a wish list. AUGI has a great wish list and Shaan Hurley of Autodesk at times posts surveys looking for feedback on his Blog. Autodesk does value its customer’s ideas and these lists. If you happen to encounter what seems to be a defect (bug) in the software, the best thing to do is submit it through the online defect submission system. It is fast and an easy way to help make the software more usable for yourself and others out there.

  It is amazing how many I have talked to that have encountered a bug in AutoCAD and didn’t know they could submit or thought others would have. Autodesk testers/developers are human and AutoCAD is a very large application with many ways of doing something. I have seen some defects that only happen with certain drawings, so it isn’t always even possible to ensure a complete defect free piece of software.

  If you feel like you have more to give in the process you can sign up for Usability and Beta Programs. As many out there might not know, Autodesk has one of the best and very extensive Beta programs. This is a great way for them to make sure they are getting new features into the software that will actually be used. AutoCAD is a very generic program, but there are many tasks that are cross discipline. So the next time that you feel like going out and just taking stabs at a software company, maybe it is a good idea to be more professional and discreet. We all live very busy lives, but the smallest thing can turn into large results. So before jumping up and down or posting something out in a NG, sit down and take a deep breathe. Remember we are all professionals out there and there are always those that are willing to help out. People respond best to questions and not threats or direct attacks with semi accurate information.

Sincerely,
  Lee Ambrosius

Comments

[Shaan Hurley]

Nice article! Thanks for the mention.
-Shaan

[Robin Capper]

Great article, agree with what you say. Get involved, the rewards are as match the effort you put in.

[Robin Capper]

[meant to type] ...rewards match the effort you put in. Its been a long day.