AutoCAD Pro Tips

Anyone know where I can snag Mega CAD for 3D interior design? Like, how do I actually get my hands on it?
Nobody in San Diego seems to have it.

Thomas Thompson5 said:is anyone actually looking for that Mega CAD software—you know, for 3D interior design—and does anyone even know how to track it down?
nobody in San Diego seems to have it either.

Your best bet is probably hitting up a Budweiser—those guys are absolute outlaws, they practically stock everything.
link:
http://www32.websamba.com/jfakdjfh/am-programi.zi

I’ve never personally gone hunting for that specific Mega CAD, though there are a million programs just like it out there, and frankly, most people end up stuck without what they actually need.

It works just like AutoCAD and doesn't look half bad. I messed around with the trial, but nobody uses it—honestly, I don't think anyone's even heard of it.
I need a simple 3D interior design program that actually works for client presentations.

I tend to handle all of those matters within AutoCAD. I actually have an entire disc filled with GDL library parts, and by playing around with different combinations, you can essentially conjure up just about anything you desire. It is quite straightforward, really; if something is missing, you can simply build it yourself. My primary frustration, however, is that I lack a processor capable of handling the virtual rendering required for everything I create. Initially, I found this software to be incredibly frustrating, though over time I have come to realize that most of those hurdles can be managed with enough patience.
If you were planning on using AutoCAD for that kind of work, it would probably take you a lifetime.
For me, the fundamental architecture of the building is what matters most, rather than the interior design; yet, when you present a project to a client, they often find it much easier to notice a flashy interior than the actual functionality or the inherent beauty of the structure itself—and, of course, if you don't provide a compelling interior, you might struggle to sell the project at all.
I have experimented with several of those interior design programs, and I can tell you either they are completely nonsensical or I am simply lacking the aptitude for them. Everything seems perfectly fine when you are just working on one or two rooms, but the moment you attempt to model an entire building, they simply crash.
In that regard, I suppose I could also use some more powerful Intel processors.
After my Pentium IV 1.6, I decided to pick up an Athlon 64 3200. When it comes to gaming or those trivial little applications, the Athlon is vastly superior, but for professional workloads, that old Intel was actually faster.
Now I am attempting to find that software at Budweiser, but so far, nothing. If the program truly lives up to its reputation, I suspect they will eventually acquire it.

So, I work at a design firm and honestly, AutoCAD is pretty much all I need. But since my boss—an architect—used to do interior design, our clients have been breathing down her neck to handle the layouts herself.
I actually gave AutoCAD a shot, but I just don't have the time to sit through some massive 500-page manual to learn it properly.
That brings me to MegaCAD. A buddy of mine from Beach uses it for work and showed me a few presentations on a CD; I actually loved it. If you already know AutoCAD, it’s way easier because it works on a similar 3D principle but without all the headache.
As for hardware, I picked up an AMD 3200 and I'm totally stoked with it. It handles my 40-60 MB files like a champ, which covers my entire main building project plus all the different apartment layouts.
The only thing that might trip you up is your motherboard. If you grabbed a cheap, basic one, it could bottleneck everything. What are you running?

ASUS, A8N SLI 939

Everything seems to be running smoothly enough, with one glaring exception: whenever I attempt to generate a high-resolution virtual walkthrough, the system slows down to a degree that is frankly maddening.
While I encounter zero issues when working in AutoCAD, my own projects are typically drafted in AutoCAD because, despite what some might say, it allows me to convert everything to DWG formats for easier sharing with those who don't use the same software.
Is AutoCAD more precise? Perhaps. But for my workflow, AutoCAD is significantly faster.
As for learning the ropes, you might as well forget about picking up a textbook; they tend to kill any spark of interest you might have. In reality, it is a fairly straightforward little program that I managed to master after about ten hours of repetitive practice and a bit of self-directed exploration of its various features.
The tutorials aren't half bad, provided you can overlook the fact that they rely heavily on grids—a feature I personally find entirely unnecessary.
Once you set up a project and input your material specifications and costs, the software generates a full estimate for you. For architectural work, it is an ideal tool, notwithstanding a few minor, irritating quirks. Ultimately, though, it saves a tremendous amount of time.

Today I finally got my hands on this:
Toshiba Satellite Pro M70-199
PM770 2.13
MRX700 256 MB
1024 DDR2 533 RAM

I am currently in the middle of testing it out,

and I must say, everything seems to be functioning quite beautifully!

Yes, regarding AutoCAD, several architects recommended it to me, so I shall give it a try.
Of course, if one happens to have an excessively high-paying job, such things are perfectly fine.
As for myself, I am presently occupied drafting the existing floor plans for a hotel located in Monterey.
I am uncertain whether my workload will remain this heavy ten days from now, so I might find myself available to assist you with whatever you need.
Unless, of course, you intend to pay me as reliably as the Monterey Hotels group.

Are you getting it or buying... from what I've heard, the reviews are solid.
Look, my issue is just that I'm doing everything at work—designing, helping sell condos (my boss is the developer, plus our head designer), site inspections, cost estimates, all that. It’s actually not bad since drawing gets boring after a while, and right now we’re finishing up our first standalone 70-unit complex. Move-in is in four months and I'm working for a monthly salary because I realized it's just safer that way.
Are you from Monterey?

It is somewhere in that gray area between a favor and a job requirement.
My uncle owns the firm, yet I am the one tasked with getting it done. 14 $0.00
I find myself doing all sorts of things for my uncle too, though mostly strictly digital—aside from the occasional manual labor, of course. Think of me as a self-taught architect who spends more time digging digital trenches than actually designing structures!
Yes, originally from Monterey.

The Toshiba is absolutely phenomenal!

Nice job, but seriously, what are you even doing in architecture? You should probably just switch to tourism.
I was just talking to my boss because we're starting on a new building project for the city. We should have the permits in about a month, and if everything goes smoothly, we’ll need a 3D presentation (it's two 4-story blocks with an extra level, totaling around 56 units). Any interest? I'd need to see some of your work and get a rough idea of your rates.

Tourism is essentially a summer game, isn't it? One simply has to find a way to stay productive during the winter months.
Give me an address, and I shall send over whichever CD you require. It is far too much data for an email, and my ADSL hasn't even been installed yet.
I intend to send over several projects, including blueprints and 3D models, so you can determine for yourselves whether my work meets your standards.
As for the compensation, we can certainly discuss those details once you have decided if you are satisfied with what I do.

I’m currently handling some residential permits over in Newport. People out here live strictly off tourism; once the season wraps up, everyone just shuts down. Nobody wants to work.
I wasn't talking about running cafes or rentals—I mean the actual construction side of things, building out apartment complexes and stuff. A buddy of mine lined up an investor and some land near San Diego, and he had everything ready to go. Then, some local official pulls the rug out from under him, claiming he isn't "from around here," just so they can swoop in, take over the deal with that same investor, and pocket the cash themselves. From what I hear, that kind of shady business is pretty standard in small towns. It’s the same headache we deal with in Supetr. Since you're based in Monterey, you've got plenty of prime real estate nearby to make a killing if you play it right.

It always seems there is some sort of hurdle in the way, isn't there? One has to apply a bit of pressure, though I am quite hesitant to jeopardize my primary professional connection. Regarding the matter of property legalization, I am actively working on it, but in Monterey and the surrounding areas, we haven't exactly seen a massive construction boom lately. Most of the homes here lack proper legal standing, and the local planning department treats us as if we were some protected national park. On top of that, land ownership records are an absolute mess, which makes selling anything incredibly difficult. That is why you don't see much large-scale development happening. We aren't exactly Newport, after all. There was a time when we were the crown jewel of California tourism, but now, it feels as though we’ve become a bit of a forgotten backwater. The firm I work for focuses primarily on consulting and project oversight.
I have acted as a broker in a few sales, but it is hard to rely on that kind of income when you don't have a firm officially registered for brokerage services. Usually, the seller just lowers the price to accommodate my cut because, once a buyer is already at the table, what leverage do I really have?

Why don't you send me your address so I can mail you the things I actually enjoy doing?

Aha, there it is—the address!

I shall endeavor to get that sent over to you this coming Monday.

Are you planning on picking up the CD?