HyperPics: Beyond the UI

Seems Just Like Yesterday, Google was Launched

It's amazing at ones you get use to something how easy it is to forget about the small details about it.  It seems just like yesterday that Google was launched, but it has actually been 7 years since Google was brought into the vast Internet world.  It sure didn't take it long to become a household name and used by millions and millions of people around the world.

Congrats goes out to those at Google... and keep on doing what your doing with things like Gmail, Google Desktop and the many other great utilities that you guys are coming out with.

Sincerely,
  Lee

AutoCAD 2006 and AutoCAD LT 2006 Bible Available

Wiley Publishing and author Ellen Finkelstein have released the latest copy of the AutoCAD Bible for AutoCAD 2006 and AutoCAD LT 2006. This is a very easy to follow book weighing in at around 1200+ pages packed full of tips and great examples. I had the honor of participating in this project as the Technical Editor for the both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT content, and after reading it from cover to cover; there is no wondering why this is one of the top selling AutoCAD books on the market. There are not too many books out there that cover the material as well as Ellen explains it. To learn more about the author Ellen Finkelstein, who is a very nice individual, visit her web site at http://www.ellenfinkelstein.com. You can also purchase the book online at Amazon.com or at a chain store like Barnes and Nobles. I would recommend this book to anyone that uses AutoCAD 2006 or AutoCAD LT 2006.

Welcome to the Blogging Community Jane Smith

The CAD Blogging Community just got a little bigger recently. Fellow CAD user Jane Smith has launched her venture into the blogging world with the blog "Using Raster Design with AutoCAD". Jane is a great individual and I look forward to the information that she has to share. From the postings and the name of the blog I am sure she will be covering Raster Design and AutoCAD.

Sincerely,
  Lee

Windows Vista - Which Edition is Right?

I have just recently read an article on the editions that Microsoft will be coming out with for its next OS, Windows Vista.  Now we only have two editions to contend with on the desktop today with Windows XP, Home and Professional.  Microsoft plans to release around seven editions, yes I said seven.  According to an article by Ken "Caesar" Fisher entitled "Windows Vista product editions revealed", that is the plan of Microsoft is going to roll-out.  This could get confusing for some out there when migrating. Click here to read the article on Ars Technica's website.

Sincerely,
  Lee

System Variables Got You Stumped

Have you ever been in the situation where something in one drawing just doesn't seem to be working correctly, but it works in a different drawing.  There are many different System Variables in AutoCAD these days.  System Variables play a vital role in some of the settings that can affect commands in a drawing.  Most System Variables are stored in the drawing or in the Windows Registry, with some that don't get saved at all.  I have been using a utility that dates back to 1998 that I wrote to help manage my System Variables if they get out of line or even when I am working with client drawings.

I have just recently posted an updated copy that now works with release starting back with R12 up through 2006.  You can download the latest version by clicking here.

Check out some of the other available downloads by clicking here.

Looking for some information on System Variables in AutoCAD? Check out the System Variable matrix that I maintain on my website by clicking here.

Sincerely,
  Lee

September Issue of AUGI HotNews

The September issue of AUGI HotNews brings a depth of many new articles and range of content.

Migration Madness: When to Move
When is the optimum time to migrate to new Autodesk software releases? This article investigates the reasons for migrating and provides tips on when to make the move.

Customization Corner: Looking Through CUI Panes
How to read the panes in AutoCAD 2006 software's CUI (Customize User Interface).

Tips & Tricks for Knock-out Blocks
Take the tedium out of block management with the Dynamic Blocks feature in AutoCAD 2006 software. Here are tips for using this super time-saver.

The above listing are some of the highlights of the newsletter, but there are many other great articles in this issue.  To access all the articles of the issue head to the AUGI website and click the Publications section, then AUGI HotNews.

If you are not receiving AUGI HotNews or are not a member of AUGI go to the AUGI website and sign up. It is free to receive the newsletters and becoming a member is free as well.

Click here to access the AUGI website

Click here if you are already an AUGI member, but don't receive HotNews in your inbox

Sincerely,
  Lee

Blog Comments and TrackBacks

Hello all out there... it has been a very wild and crazy last couple of months, but hope to be post on a more frequent basis.  I have been working on some projects for my website (coming soon features and content) and for other companies, so that is were most of my attention has been lately.  The reason why I am posting tonight is that I have recently noticed some abuse taking place on my blog, so I have decided to implement one of the newest features that TypePad provides to its bloggers.

Many of my fellow bloggers use the feature as well, but due to some poor in taste trackbacks and comments that I have been deleting from the blog posts it has forced me to implement the approval system for all comments and trackbacks.  So if you do post comments please continue to do so and if the comments are appropriate content they will be approved with no problems.  This is to simply stop those that attempt to use web forums and blogs as a way to transport spam across the net.

Sincerely,
  Lee

AUGI - Volunteer of the Month

AUGI has been gracious enough to nominate me for Volunteer of the Month for September, which is pretty cool because my birthday is in September as well.

Do you have a set of skills that you feel others would benefit from in AutoCAD or another Autodesk product?  Do you want to give back to the CAD community by answering some questions or even maybe but together an online course.  If you have time and want to give back why not check out AUGI's volunteer program.  This program spans many different areas from writing articles in one of their two publications to creating online courses that your fellow CAD-ets can learn from.

Membership to AUGI is free, and there are many cool benefits to being a member.  Some of them include free monthly courses, early registration to AU, online forum and much more.  Head over to the AUGI website for sign up information and list of benefits.

Sincerely,
  Lee