16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not just for Novices, August 17, 2010
This review is from: AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required (Paperback)
AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011 - No Experience Required published by Sybex under their Serious Skill efforts was written by Donnie Gladfelter. This is a massive collection of information for those that are just starting and those that have years of use under their belts. There are seventeen chapters dedicated to the basic of opening files, creating objects and navigating the interface to rendering and materials. The breadth of topics covered is impressive.
Some of the basic stuff is very good for those that are uninitiated. He even goes over where to click on objects for specific actions. This is a learned skill, but Donnie does a good job of explaining the little things that cause frustrations and delays for new users. He does not stop at the new user level - far from it. He covers advanced topics with the same prowess that makes the entire book worth having.
He starts with the things that you would expect to cover in a book like this but does so with greater depth, going into dialog boxes, settings and selections that may confuse those just starting. This basis of foundation builds as the book proceeds. Sprinkled throughout the book are little pullout comments that help those that might notice errors, cautions and erratic behaviors in the program at the beginning. Another nice touch is the pullout conversations about Standards and another on "What to do when you make a Mistake".
One really good chapter to me is "Using Layers as an Organizing Tool". The author goes to great lengths to explain the entire perspective of how Layers can make a difference and what impact getting it right. Colors, Linestyles, naming, etc - it is all covered. He goes over what should be assigned to what Layer and why and also how to do it.
Scattered throughout the book are Warnings and Tips. These are from the many years of using these tools that the author shares with the reader.
Blocks, Dynamic Blocks, Hatching and Dimensions are covered in depth. Sharing procedures for creating them,using them and placing them. All in the context of an ongoing Architectural drawing process. From creation of the first lines to the final Title Block and then setting up Layouts and plotting (even Sheet Set Manager). Xrefs are addressed as well as images and more.
The final chapters even get into 3D creation and use. (I like the Right Hand Rule illustration). Topped off with Rendering and Material gives the reader the full tour of the product from start to finish. Add to that the final Glossary of terms will move the novice to avid user quickly.
This publication is well worth the read and also to study. The wealth of knowledge shared from the authors ample experience will assist everyone who buys and reads this book.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Review of the AutoCAD NER, August 14, 2010
I recently received a copy of Donnie Gladfelter's book AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required to review. The book is a behemoth at 982 pages and packs all of the steps required to create a plan set and model of The Cad Geek's Cabin inside. By using the example the user is taught how to create a plan set and the steps required to accomplish it. The book is well laid out starting with a review of AutoCAD's user interface and ending with converting the 2D linework into a 3D model of the building complete with materials. The step by step instructions are enhanced with AutoCAD screenshots of both where to pick and how the final product should look like.
The target of the book is primarily new users to the program although newer features of the program are included which could benefit experienced users. Examples of this include the parametric, newer 3D tools and dynamic blocks. I for one hadn't noticed the Infer Constraints button on the status bar. The Infer Constraints button, according to the book, "...will automatically apply constraints between objects as you create or modify them." Another feature that I forgot about was the ability to detach the ribbon from the top or remove a panel from it and drag it off to the side. This provides functionality similar to toolbars the ribbon replaced.
For the most part the book is an easy read and provides explanations and reasons for doing the steps. I also liked where the book provided examples on how to accomplish the same task in different ways. Such as using lines and offsetting, and them trimming or using polylines and offsetting them without having the need to go back and trim. The book has an index and glossary providing an easy way to find topics in the book.
If we had a new hire in the office who wanted to learn AutoCAD I wouldn't hesitate using this book as a learning tool. It would provide a good foundation to build CAD knowledge.
Disclaimer: I received the book from the publisher free of charge.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
AutoCAD 2011 and AutoDAD LT 2011: No Experience Required, November 2, 2010
This review is from: AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required (Paperback)
As the title indicates, this is a good beginner book. It is not meant for experienced users. Equally important, this book does not address the MEP version of AutoCAD 2011.
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