Contacting me

Chris Bayley · Post by **Chris Bayley** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 1:32 pm

It seems that I am having trouble with my email system as I am not receiving everything I am sent and messages that I send are vanishing into cyberspace.

The problem may be my own system as it it is riddled with superfluous files left over from 'telephone' based internet and spam filters when I switched to a cable system a couple of months ago. Only answer I suppose is a format and start again. Seems worse if there are attachments involved

If you want to contact me use the new email - christopher.bayley@ntlworld.com
and as a backup use a PM to tell me you have sent an email. THat way I will know that a message has been sent even if I have not received it and can get back to you via the PM system

Am contemplating a swap to Linux to escape the Bill Gates gravy train but the main problem is finding a decent CAD package that is compatoble with Autocad Lt 2006 as all my plans are done in this. AutoCAD started out as unix software but according to the CAD firms it is only available for the windows platform - has anyone tried it with 'wine'

Thanks

Chris

emer · Post by **emer** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:10 pm

I came across this a while ago, although it's R14 they use, so it may not be any use to you.

http://architectafrica.com/bin0/news200411111_wine.html

billh · Post by **billh** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 5:37 pm

Hi Chris;

If trying Linux for the first time I recommend ubuntu as the easiest distribution to install, dual boot, and maintain.

The Inkscape package can read and write DXF files, there's some discussion of DXF under Linux/ubuntu here:
http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-182557.html

There also seems to be something called QCAD available which reads and writes DXF and may do what you want. DWG support is another thing altogether, it seems much more complex and proprietary a format than DXF (the latter was designed for file exchange I think, thus the 'X' in the acronym), thus less likely to be supported by non-Autodesk products. If the DXF format can retain all the info you need, you should be able to migrate OK. See also this message:
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubunt ... 70225.html

regards,

Bill

fancypiper · Post by **fancypiper** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 5:45 pm

Hi Chris,

Here are some things to check out about GNU/Linux.

Good Linux bookmarks
LQ's tricks and hints
How to get good answers with your questions about Linux
LDP's HOWTOs
Directory of Linux Bash Commands
Linux Newbie Administrator Guide
Rute User's Tutorial and Exposition
Linux Knowledge Base and Tutorial
Getting Started with Linux
Google in a Linux frame of mind

Preparing to install Linux:
# Choosing a Linux Distribution:
Will your hardware work?
Do you have good RAM? Memtest86 - A Stand-alone Memory Diagnostic
A Beginner's Guide to Choosing a Linux Distribution
Reasons to Choose or Not Choose Linux
LWN distro list
elinux Linux Distributions
# Freeware tools for partitioning/resizing hard drive partitions:
Any Linux Live CD usually have fdisk, cfdisk and other tools available
Ranish Partition Manager
# Understanding Linux Filesystem layout:
Directory Navigation Help File
Filesystems, Directories, and Devices Help File
Proper Filesystem Layout
Advanced filesystem implementor's guide (requires registration)

Do I buy a boxed source, download off the internet or buy some cheap CDs?
It's your choice! If you download, I suggest that you check the md5sums on the Linux ISO Images and make sure you know how to burn ISOs in Windows to install Linux
# Cheap CDs
Discount Linux CDs
Linux Central
Cheapbytes
TuxCDs
ComputerHelperGuy
CheapISO
Os Heaven

No E · Post by **No E** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 6:13 pm

Hi Chris,

If it's MS Outlook that's giving you the e-mail headaches, you might look into using Mozilla Thunderbird instead, it's a free download. More information is available here:

http://www.mozilla.org/support/thunderbird/faq

-No E

itisi · Post by **itisi** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 4:26 am

I think it's the "excuses" virus that's causing it.

snoogie · Post by **snoogie** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:17 am

itisi wrote:I think it's the "excuses" virus that's causing it.

More likely an allergic reaction to eedjits.

Joseph E. Smith · Post by **Joseph E. Smith** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:46 am

Best of luck to you Chris in getting your technology issues sorted out.

I need to replace the PC that crashed last August. Since that time I have been relying on the systems of friends and family to remain in contact with the outside world. I am seriously considering switching to Mac.

I am thankful for Gmail (and The Undisputed for recommending it to me a good while back), for at least I can access what I need to from any system.

misterpatrick · Post by **misterpatrick** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 11:05 am

Chris,

I'll second Joe's idea. I am primarily a Mac user but keep a PC for my wife as she also uses AutoCAD 2006. Discreet is going to put themselves out of business if they don't expand the platforms for AutoCAD to include Linux and possible Mac. One nice thing about the new Macs is that you can boot up in Windows so you can run AutoCAD and then use the Mac OS for all of the other stuff like email. No viruses yet on OS X knock on ebony.

Not trying to make this a platform war, just trying to point out some options as I'm kind of in the same boat.