Beginners Guide to Learning Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing

cad

You might hear the term CAD-CAM from time to time.  It is basically a merging of the two pieces.  A software manufacturer tries to pick up more marketshare by doing this.  They also keep you locking into their “system” by going with the whole package at once.

A lot of the time, this is a good thing.  Same or similar interface on both pieces of software.  Quick flow between pieces and easy file management.  You have to evaluate it for yourself though.  There are many times in life where two or more tools are combined to produce a less then stellar result.

CAD/CAM Article
Here is an article I pulled up that describes the past and future direction of CAD/CAM.  I thought it was relevant as there are many times you will hear these two terms used together.  They are two different and distinct parts of the process, but some software makers make both products and sell them together.

CAD/CAM: Past, Present and Future
By Katrina C. Arabe
Before CAD/CAM technology, drafts, calculations and product design involved pencil, paper and a seemingly endless succession of blueprints. CAD/CAM's ongoing enhancement has made the process easier, but with the latest slew of features, some users actually find less is more.
Virtually every manmade product has been designed and manufactured using a CAD/CAM program. CAD/CAM, or Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing, is utilized in every facet of industry; from designing phones to plotting out toolpaths in die and mold shops. Although the users of CAD/CAM technology may, at times, feel frustrated by how often its software is updated, the fact is that CAD/CAM has close to five decades of history stretching almost as far back as the computer.

CAD/CAM, like the digital computer, had its inception in the military. In the mid-1950s the U.S. Air Force began testing an air defense system known as SAGE (Semi Automatic Ground Environment) to graphically depict data received on radar systems. The first computer actually rendering a program, SAGE was conceived at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 1960, computer scientists at MIT produced yet another project called Sketchpad, an application that is now considered to be the first design program with industrial use. A similar program sprouted up at General Motors soon after. At that time, mainframes were still large enough to take up entire rooms.

During the 1960's CAD/CAM technology continued to evolve and spread to other areas. Automotive companies were the first to adopt the technology, and used it primarily to design automobile bodies. It then quickly spread to other sectors of industry, which were only too eager to abandon traditional pen and paper methods of drafting. By 1973, CAD/CAM was being used to design industrial tools. Midway through the decade, the 19-inch monitor came out, which meant that drawings could be viewed larger than the previous standard of 11 inches. In the last half of the 70's, solid modeling software became available. It allowed users to take "geometric primitives" (basic geometric shapes such as boxes and cones) and combine them using Boolean operations. In 1982, Autodesk made CAD/CAM history when it released the first version of AutoCAD, which soon became the premiere software platform for automobile design.
At times, the history of CAD/CAM seems like the plot of a spy novel. In 1984, a Hungarian scientist named Gabor Bajor, succeeded in smuggling two Macintosh computers into his Communist-controlled homeland. With the intent of writing a 3D CAD program, Bajor and his teenage assistant used the illegal computers to create just that program, and started the Graphsoft Company. In 1985, Diehl Graphsoft introduced MiniCAD to the market, which would be considered the industry standard for CAD on the Mac. The same year Autodesk unveiled AutoCAD 2.1. Complete with 3D capabilities, AutoCAD 2.1 was another breakthrough that transformed design in the auto industry. In the late 80's and early 90's, CAD/CAM giant Unigraphics took its place as a major industry player by partnering with industry powerhouses such as General Motors, UNIX, GE and Boeing.

During the early 1990s, Unigraphics introduced hybrid modeling, which featured both traditional modeling and advanced parametric techniques. By the end of 1994, over one million units of AutoCAD had been sold, and by the end of 1995, there were about 350,000 users of generic CAD/CAM reported worldwide. In 1996, General Motors signed the largest contract in CAD/CAM's history by selecting Unigraphics as its sole vendor for vehicle development software. Soon afterwards, Unigraphics would once again transform the medium by releasing CAD/CAM software that allowed for the definition, control and evaluation of product templates. Another major advance in CAD/CAM occurred IN 1999 when Think3, a "Johnny-come-lately" to the world of CAD/CAM, introduced the first mechanical design software that could fully combine the power of parametric solids, advanced surfacing, wireframe and two-dimensional drafting on the desktop in one environment. Subsequently, a plethora of software vendors has surfaced, inundating the market with competing CAD/CAM platforms AND causing designers to be alternately pleased and confused by the sheer number of options available to them.

At present, CAD/CAM continues its steady path of progress. Much of this progress is in the form of refining past innovations to make them more efficient and user friendly. A groundbreaking CAD/CAM innovation has not occurred for a number of years, which seems to indicate that another sweeping change is just around the corner -- or maybe not. Despite the advent of 3D CAD-CAM, many CAD/CAM users still prefer to render designs in 2D. Thus, recent 3D innovations such as animated "walk-throughs" (a technique that allows designers to visually move in and around the rendered model, and see it from every possible angle) are still largely underused. The same is true of the bevy of collaboration tools currently available to the CAD/CAM user. The ability to combine CAD/CAM, with finite-element analysis and the accessibility of simulation and knowledge management, has yet to be fully embraced. Perhaps, it is in one of these areas that the next CAD/CAM breakthrough will occur. One thing that can be said with a degree of certainty is that research and development are currently ahead of user demand. When, and if, the garden-variety CAD/CAM user decides that they need to expand their range of capabilities, they will find a world of cutting-edge CAD/CAM tools at their disposal.

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Learning Computer Basics

My first time with a computer was in eighth grade, but we really didnít do much with them. We made greeting cards which were printed out on printers that have fallen by the wayside a long time ago. When computers became more advanced, nothing that I learned in the way of computer basics applied. Iím not even sure the Windows operating system was in use then. I learned all over again when I went to college, and thankfully, things had gotten much easier to learn since the setup I used in middle school.



Learning the basics of computers is so much easier than it ever was, and it gets easier every few years. I know this because my daughter learned to use the basic functions of one by age three. Perhaps it was just exposure, because I use one for my work, but I think it is just because the computer basics you had to know long ago are no longer valid. The machine does all of that stuff on its own. You can click on things to open programs instead of memorizing and typing in commands. Personal computers are so much more user friendly than ever before.



Opening programs and learning to use the mouse are some of the first computer basics that people learn. They must know what each one does, and mostly the functions of save and open. Those are pretty common early uses and very easy to master. When opening the Internet, computer basics would be about connecting (if necessary), finding web sites, and how to use email. Other computer basics in regards to Internet might include how to keep your computer safe from viruses and spyware. Finding and buying the right programs for these things are essential, because many basic blunders are caught with these.



You can find programs that help with computer basics are well. Some are so good that people are working things on their own, quite well, within a matter of weeks. Once the basics of running a computer are learned, the rest can be a matter of trial and error. If you are learning on your own, making mistakes and learning as you go can be very effective. It can be scary to run a computer at first, but as long as you remember that most mistakes are easily fixed, and that, for the most part, computers rarely blow up if you push the wrong button, things should go well.

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Plasma TV - From a Historical Perspective

When considering the history of plasma television screens, you have to understand the history that is behind this remarkable invention. The first plasma screen television has come quite a long way. However, the reason for the invention was not simply to provide men with amazing sports viewing.

The plasma TV developed as a result of the computer generation. It is incredible that the plasma based viewing device is not a new idea. It has been around for quite some time. Perhaps a bit of a history lesson is in order for you to understand how this application came to be available for the masses.

It all began in 1964 at the University of Illinois. At this time, computer monitors were simple televisions. You have to realize that the televisions at this time were cathode ray tubes. They had to continuously refresh themselves in order to display correctly. That was a big problem when using a television as a computer monitor. Sure it was okay for watching tv shows, but the resolution for computers was terrible. By the end of the year the first plasma monitor was in operation.

Today's plasma TVs have millions of cells that comprise the color and resolution of the screen. That initial plasma monitor was only one cell. However, it was still a step in the right direction. There was a set back, though. Liquid crystal displays became the more acceptable method and plasma technology was put on hold. Fast forward a few years and flat screen television sets became widely popular.

Where would the world be without technology constantly pushing it forward? Sure a plasma TV did not put man on the moon or allow for cell cloning, but it was a huge development at the time and has greatly affected the economy. Three years ago a plasma television 42 inch wide was considered only for the rich and famous. Today, many consumers can now afford to own one of these technological marvels.

Thank you scientists at the University of Illinois for bringing men and women everywhere the ability to watch games on a plasma TV. Where would technology be if necessity had not demanded you devise a new computer monitor? We would probably still be watching our big screen television sets and never knowing that a clearer picture was possible at a decent price.

To learn more go to Plasma Screen Tv and at Choosing Plasma Tv Lift Cabinets

Getting Technical Help From Computer Forums

Most of us are not well versed in what we should do when something goes wrong with a computer. We use computers more than ever, and it could very well be something that becomes more and more important as we move on through time. Sadly, there are many small things that can go wrong, quite unexpectedly, that can mess everything up. Things are complicated to fix, even small problems, and we donít know what to do. Instead of panicking, we can always go to computer forums to get help from those that know what they are doing.



When you visit computer forums, there are some things you should know. You should have written down anything that had happened when you found a problem. That means if you had an error message, you should have written down the error number. That often helps someone give you a fix within seconds. Any other details can help, so have it written down so you can remember. However, before you post on computer forums about what happened, see if it has happened to someone else first.



That means you have to use the search function that you can find on many computer forums. This allows you to add a few keywords related to what your problem is, and then if anyone else has posted, it should come up in the search. Use different keywords before you give up on finding something. That would mean that you donít have to post about your problem at all, but follow the instructions that were left for someone else who came to the same computer forums with their computer problems. If the fix doesnít work, you can then post.



What you should remember about computer forums is that they are going to help you out, but they may not have a lot of patience because there are so many seeking information. If they tell you to do something, be sure to do it. What they ask can help them diagnose the problem, or are essential things you should do to fix your machine. Be sure to thank whomever helps you, as they often do it for free, or for very little cost. It saves you money in costly fixes in computer stores. Donít be afraid to pay a little for help if you canít find free help. A site with a good reputation will always give you what you pay for, and usually, much more.

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Finding Careers In Computer Animation.

Nowadays, there are more ways to find careers in computer animation than ever before. Back before the age of cheap and powerful computers, animation careers were hard to come by. The equipment  needed was extremely expensive, the technical expertise requirements were very demanding, and the job was time-consuming. For these reasons, becoming a professional animator was difficult. There were few jobs, and it was a difficult field to break into. It was such a time consuming occupation, after all, that it was almost impossible for private individuals to make their own animations in their spare time.



Computer generated animation changed all that. Nowadays, careers in computer animation are readily available to anyone who wants to take the time to study. There are many different ways to go about it. The most accepted way to try to get a career in computer animation is still to go to a respected animation school. There are plenty of art schools out there with excellent animation programs. Some of them focus more on computer animated cartoons, while others have a bigger emphasis on traditional styles. Either type of program will get you where you need to go.



Of course, many careers in computer animation start off with experimentation at home. Anyone can learn to program flash animations, and some of the effects people get are pretty good. Animating your own cartoons is a great way to build up a portfolio and get your work seen. Once you get a following, you can use that to get hired by a computer animation studio. Alternately, you can keep working for yourself. Many careers in computer animation, after all, take place completely on the Internet.



Still, it can't hurt to have a career plan ñ particularly if you don't already have a way to make a living. This is why going to an animation school is the most widely practiced way of getting a career in computer animation. There are so many people who have the skills that animation industry companies can afford to rule out anyone who doesn't have the credentials without even giving them a second chance. If you can't get your foot in the door, you will never become eligible for any of the best careers in computer animation. Going to animation school will give you a broad-based educational program which will teach you a lot more than you could easily learn on your own. All in all, going to a school for animation makes a lot of sense.



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The Cheapest Laptop and Most Powerful Fun Computers

Laptop computers are not only convenient,effective, and easy to use, but they are also cost effective and come in many colors.  Some of the cheapest laptop computers are comparable to the most costly if you shopwisely.  Why spend more money on an expensive mode when you can get the same power and speed in a less expensive laptop. 

“The waste of money cures itself, for soon there is no more to waste.”
Famous Quote about money by M.W. Harrison

With the availability of cheaper laptops a person could buy a computer that is adaptable enough to use anywhere in the home and durable enough to take on vacation. 

You can also consider buying one of the more posh colored laptops that are now on the market.  These colored laptops come in a wide array of colors.  If you can’t locate the color or type you like, there are many manufactures that will tailor make your laptop in any color or shade you want.  They are available in metallic and pearl finishes and high polish or matte.  Your company or school logo can be blasted on the lid.

“A merry heart does good, like medicine…”  Proverbs 17:22

I urge you to add a little humor to the work day monotony by downloading some funny computer wallpaper from the web.  Imagine, as a stressed fellow worker strolls into your office or cubicle, and he or she sees a humorous picture or cartoon.  It would certainly lighten their load and bring a little smile to their face and add some fun and creativity to the working environment.

“The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most.”  John Ruskin (1819-1900) British poet, novelist and journalist.

Do you get sick of seeing of gun metal grey, or matte black?  Finally, someone has conceived colored laptops! You can to be different from the crowd by selecting one of the new stunning colored laptops that are on the market today.  Most of the main brands, Dell, Gateway, and of course the Mac’s are all available in a variety of colors.  And, if you have a vintage model, there are manufacturing companies that will colorize it for you.

Be a wise consumer,  save dollars, get the most for your dollar when you buy the cheapest laptop on the market.  Don’t forget about style, look for a laptop that shows off a little pizzazz with a colored laptop.  When your new laptop arrives, look at some funny computer wallpaper to “make your heart merry” as well as your co-workers.

Hard Drive Data Recovery

by: Mac McClellan

Hard drive data recovery is the method of recovering data from hard drives when it cannot be accessed in the normal manner. This failure to access the hard drive could be caused due to logical damage to the file system or any physical damage that had occurred to the storage device, thereby preventing it from being mounted by the host operating system.

The physical damage to a hard drive could occur due to several mechanical failures such as failed motors or head crashes. The physical damage of a hard drive can always lead to some data loss and in many cases this can also results in damage to the logical structures of the file system. In fact, logical damages to a file system are more common than physical damage. This includes damages caused by power outages, which prevents file system structures from being completely written to the hard drive, system crashes, and problems with hardware (particularly RAID controllers).

Most physical damage to hard drives cannot be repaired by end users. For instance, opening a hard drive in a normal environment can cause dust to settle on the surface, resulting in further damage to the platters. Mind you, normal computer users may not have enough technical experience to make type of repairs. This is where hard drive data recovery companies play a major role in helping the end user to recover their valuable data from a damaged hard drive. Almost all these hard drive data recovery firms use Class 100 clean room facilities to protect your hard drive while repairing, and use the latest tools such as magnetometers to retrieve the lost bits from the magnetic media. The extracted raw bits retrieved from the damaged disk are used to rebuild a disk image, which can then be mounted to have its logical damage repaired.

Nowadays, there are several companies which offer hard drive data recovery software programs which help the end users to recover all their important files or folders lost after an accidental format, partition loss, software malfunction, file or directory deletion, or virus crash. Whether your computer crashes or you accidentally delete the files, hard drive data recovery software helps you to locate, recover and restore lost information from your disk.

Some of the main contexts where hard drive data recovery software could save one from the blues include a formatted drive, deleted file or directory, missing file or directory, drive not booting, inaccessible drive, support copying of system locked files like registry hives, damaged or corrupted partition table, recovery of deleted files and folders on FAT and NTFS hard drive or partitions, retrieve compressed files from NTFS partitions, data recovery on damaged FAT and NTFS partitions, and formatted hard drives.

Most of the hard drive data recovery software programs available in the market are easy to install and use and are virtually self maintaining. It is highly recommended to use any of the popular hard drive data recovery software in your computer along with other programs. The program frequently creates backup copies of all your files so that you need not have to worry of any potential unexpected data loss.

It is better to prevent and prepare than repent and repair later. Check http://harddriveusa.com for additional resources on hard drives.

About The Author

Mac McClellan is the webmaster for Hard Drive USA http://harddriveusa.com, a useful site for information and resources on hard drives.



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