AutoCAD 2010/2011/2012 DWG Format

[#1]

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tomhurns wrote:

If you buy a new machine, you are not aware of these issues until you turn it on

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AutoCAD is an expensive, professional program and deserves (requires?) a professional level of training.  Part of that professional development includes ongoing self-training as technology changes.  A professional should be aware of the differences between 32-bit and 64-bit OS and specifiy appropriate OS on purchase order.  Consider a failure to keep up with this due diligence as technology changes as an expensive "lesson learned".

[#2]

I agree with you.

That said, there are advanced users who depend on very sophisticated/expensive AutoCAD addons that only run on the 32bit version. These  want to utilize new hardware (like 64bit machines) but cannot use 64bit AutoCAD, because of the dependencies that were mentioned before. 

One day you may be in the same situation.

Thanks for your comments

Tommy

[#3]

I don't see that in the OP's problem description even though I asked for clarification in the first response (Post #2 in this thread).

I have tried to be very precise in each response to get to the true problem statement.

It could be as simple as the OP originally had the 32-bit version and was not aware they could also get the 64-bit version for their new machine.

[#4]

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa384249(v=vs.85).aspx

And even Microsoft IE defaults to 32bit eh?

What gets me is where is the benefit/cost analysis of 'upgrading' to 64 bit? Doesn't anyone take engineering economics anymore? I only use ACAD LT for electrical schematics with a ancient plug-in. It works fine for the .5% of my total engineering time spent using cad. Maybe I'm the minority, but I'm getting very tired of having to upgrade my tools for no personal gain.

[#5]

Hi,

>> but I'm getting very tired of having to upgrade my tools for no personal gain

You don't have to, stay at XP or Win7, whatever you have current installed.

To compare it with a car, if you buy a new car you also will have to buy new wheels, you have to use other tools to repair it, you have to use other replacement-parts to get your car serviced and repaired. So if you change your computer and your os, why not buying the tools that run on that computer? The advantage for software is you can update it, e.g. for rims: you have not any option to "update them", you have to buy new ones .... and nobody does now tell the car-manufactures that they have to make it possible to use the same replacement-parts or rims as the old car.

Sorry for these words, they are really not meant personally to anyone. But I see discussions without any end why a software written some years ago (in computer point of view that are generations) has to be updated if someone switches to the current os.

- alfred -

[#6]

Alfred, Given your analogy, if I buy a new car I would have to go get a new license to drive this car, and I could no longer attach my boat trailer because it has lost all compatibility with the new car. In reality I can drive my 66 Mustang or my 2013 Ford Ranger on the same roads with the same license. No Problemo.

[#7]

Hi,

good approach

... if AutoCAD would run on your monitor or in your keyboard (externally from your pc like the traier is an external connected equipment), but AutoCAD run's on top of your os using functions very very deep within the os. It's like trying to use the motor-controller for a 2013-engine within your engine from 66 in your mustang.

- alfred -

[#8]

>>>..but I'm getting very tired of having to upgrade my tools for no personal gain....<<<
XP 32bit is still a supported OS through 2013 and may be supported in the next version too: are you simply complaining because no PC manufacturer wants to sell you a WinXP "new PC'? Then it's time to home build or seek a local shop to custom build the next PC for you. They still exist, start shopping locally for your next PC.