networking - Best solution: NAS with DMS for CAD workgroup
2014-07
Robert
I am currently trying to figure out the best solution for a small (2-5 persons) workgroup that primarily works with CAD files and some standard office stuff. The users want to use the NAS as a central data storage for their CAD (and other) files. It should offer some kind of Document Management System ability that offers a check in/check out of files, for example of CAD drawings, so that users don't accidentaly edit the same file at the same time. Files should be searchable with tags or some other metadata like drawing numbers or some other reference id's. Besides that, it should offer a backup mechanism to another external disk or another network/cloud storage.
I heard a lot about Synology's systems like the DS214 model, e.g., but I could not gather enough detailed information from their website. Does anybody already use a setup as described above? Is there some other NAS that you can recommend for that purpose? A "grown-up" real server is not desired nor needed. Thanks for your help!
ChrisF
I need to create a model of our hall to try out some tile patterns.
I've got a library of patterns in dwg and dxf format, but I've currently not got any way of using them. I only need to create a plan view of the hall (I have all the measurements) so a 2D system would do.
I've used AutoCAD in the past and my first paid job was writing CAD software (a firm called PAFEC if anyone's interested) so I know my around CAD systems. I've done a search, but there are a bewildering number of systems out there, and as it's been a while since I did any of this I've lost touch with what's good and what's not. As I don't have a lot of time to download and try out a lot of systems I thought I'd ask here to see if anyone had any recommendations.
I'm running Windows-XP.
UPDATE
I should add that I'm only really interested in loading the patterns into a drawing and trying out various colour schemes so the application doesn't have to be that brilliant at actual modelling.
ChrisF
Open source AutoCAD alternatives
QCad Community Edition is an open source edition of RibbonSoft's CAD system. QCad is a 2D CAD applicationthat aims at being simple enough for anyone to use - even users with no previous CAD experience. Compared to the Professional edition the Community Edition has no scripting or poly-line support - also features are a few months behind. Features include layers, dxf files import and export, many flexible drawing tools and precise selection tools.
Archimedes is a computer aided design (CAD) solution focusing on architectural design. While the current version of Archimedes may not be mature enough for all - this project is very promising. It already has many of the most common and advance drawing features you will find in a commercial CAD solution. However, it's interoperability with other products is still lacking. On the other hand drawing can be exported in scalable vector graphics (SVG) format - allowing you to share finished drawings with a wide audience without requiring them to install the product. This is a great upcoming project started in Brazil - their goals are to create a real alternative for AutoCAD, but make it more suited for architects.
BRL-CAD is an open source cad systems based around constructive solid geometry (csg) modeling. On top of all of it's modeling features, such as the interactive geometry editor, BRL-CAD offers parallel ray-tracing, path-tracing, image and signal processing tools. The ray-tracing process can even be distribution over a network of computers. When starting a new model determining an accurate unit of measurement ensures that your models will always have the correct proportions compared to real world objects. CSG is a fascinating way to work with 3d modeling and allows you to quickly build rough models and can be finalized later with all required details.
kokbira
PROS - light and portable CONTRAS - in Portuguese only and some ads
Mokubai
FelixCAD LT lets you work directly with billions of existing CAD drawings: it can directly open and edit drawings saved in DWG or DXF formats (from R2.5 to R2002) and save them in its native FLX drawing file format. This means you can work with billions of existing drawing files and blocks that currently exist in these industry standard formats.
FelixCAD LT features hundreds of commonly used 2D drawing and editing commands and functions available in other "light" CAD systems which cost money. It conforms to standards for layers, colors, blocks, line types, fonts, hatch patterns, and block support. You can reference external drawings.
FelixCAD LT supports simultaneous editing of multiple drawings at a time, with up to 4 separate views of each drawing and instant copying and pasting of an object between drawings.
Indrek
Sketchup (formerly Google Sketchup) is by far the easiest to learn.