AutoCAD Civil 3D

[#1]

I'm currently unemployed and wanting to brush up on my skills.  I would like to purchase an older version of Civil 3D - due to the cost of a single user seat since I only want it to practice on.  Where would I be able to buy an older version, software and license, for Civil 3D.  Of course I would gladly accept Civil 3D 2012 if the price were right but I simply can't see investing $4K for home use to practice on.

Thanks.

[#2]

I thought Autodesk had some sort of assistance programme to help in situation such as yours i.e. a time limited educational licence - maybe I imagined it.........!!!!!!

No I didn't -  http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=15452228&siteID=123112 - may be of use to you

[#3]

You should probably contact a dealer near you.  I seem to remember that there were concessions made last year for the unemployed.

Bill

[#4]

from working at an ATC/VAR - we had several students come through via county workforce development + free home use licensing from the AD assistance program - The assistance program is directly through AD and not your local center, although they'd probably help point you in the right direction.

best of luck!

TdH

[#5]

Thanks.  I am attempting to get the Assistance program via the posted link to work, however, when you choose apply for the program it doesn't function.  I downloaded a PDF program brochure document which noted the program was  only in effect until 01/31/2011.  Perhaps this assistance program is no longer in effect?  I also tried to register as a new member after selecting the free software I want to download, thinking perhaps I could register for the assistance program and then proceed with the download - as suggested by the information posted on the Assistance page then, but no luck with that.  The PDF "Program Brochure"  I downloaded, for instruction on how to access this service, is here...

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=15452228&siteID=123112

Any suggestions?  Am I missing something?

Thanks.

[#6]

you're right - I can't get the link to work for signing up, but burried within the contact us information:

call a representative from AD @ 800-964-6432.... 

i'd try there next,

also, AD staff troll the discussion groups and may be able to respond in greater depth.

hang in there!  no one's said it's impossible yet.

you can always download & install a free 30 day trial of the software until this gets sorted out.

also make sure if you download 2012 (probably can't get earlier versions w/o being a "subscription" customer) follow through and get service pack 1 installed as well...

[#7]

the link takes you to the education community

which are the free student licenses

which is what the assistance program got you

[#8]

probably one and the same software - you end up with an "educational" watermark on all drawings.  it is definitely not to be used for a production drawing and if you intend to use that machine for future "consulting/production" work via upgrading to a licensed version it is a royal pia to remove, even with Autodesk's help... 

regardless, i wish the OP best of luck for future endeavors.

[#9]

Licensing for Autodesk products doesn't really work that way - you purchase the right to use a license of the software and the company specifies which version(s) you are eligible for. You can't buy an older version at a prorated price. Besides, if you're looking to brush up on skills, you want to do it with current software. 

Judging by what I'm reading, the assistance plan was only for FY11 and has since expired. I'm far removed from the sales side of things, but here's what I would do if I were you - find a local reseller and talk to them. They may have something they could help you with, and they may not - there may be a program out there that I'm not aware of. 

[#10]

Thanks for all the assistance and info.  I will try and talk to a local reseller.  You never know, they may be able to assist me.  In the mean time I will likely download the free 30 day trial - and the update.  I don't think I would ever be using my home PC for work related items so as for the conflict, I don't foresee any issues.

Is it not possible to purchase older software, say something like AutoCAD LDD or LDC with a lifetime license?  I have a copy of AutoCAD LDD 2007 that I purchased a lifetime license for - the only issue is there was a glitch in the software and it wouldn't allow you to create a surface.  They came out with a patch for that but I have since upgraded PC's and I don't know if I could download the patch still.  Any thoughts on that?

Obviously, I would prefer to be using and learning Civil 3D, but LDD 2007 has all the essentials I need to brush up on.

Thanks again for your help.  If I find the assistance program is still available I wiill let you know.

Judy