Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
The World Wide (CAD) Web
I'm reluctant to list any specific sites; I just went looking for an old favorite, and it's not
there any more. Your search engine will be your best friend here. Apart from Autodesk's
own Web presence, there are thousands upon thousands of other sites scattered around
the world. Search on
AutoCAD tutorials
for online exercises, or try
AutoCAD blogs
for
some independent views and opinions as well as tips and tricks for using AutoCAD.
Your Local ATC
Autodesk's Authorized Training Centers, or ATCs, are located around the world in both
private institutions and public colleges and institutes. At an ATC, you attend scheduled,
instructor-led classes where you learn AutoCAD from the ground up. Courses are de-
signed for rank beginners or experienced users who want to learn the latest customiza-
tion techniques. To find the location of your nearest ATC, browse to
www.autodesk.com/
atc
.
Your Local User Group
AutoCAD has had an incredibly loyal following in the quarter-century since its initial re-
lease. There are many reasons for this, but one of the main ones was the especially en-
thusiastic individuals who would arrange to meet up one evening a month and talk
about what they'd discovered they could do with AutoCAD. Those folks are still out
there — although some are a bit grayer and more wrinkled than they used to be — and
they still love to get together and talk about AutoCAD. And most are especially welcom-
ing to newcomers! My own local group, the Vancouver AutoCAD Users Society
(
www.vaus.org
)
, happens to be the oldest user group in existence, and its newsletter
grew and grew until it became
Cadalyst
magazine! To find a nearby group, enter
“AutoCAD user group”
and your city in your browser's search box.
AUGI
AUGI (the acronym for Autodesk User Groups International) is the umbrella organization
for the global user group community. You don't even have to belong to a group to parti-
cipate — individuals can join too, and membership is free. AUGI is probably best known
