Now revised and updated for the latest program versions, this bestseller is a comprehensive reference and tutorial for architects, engineers, drafters, and others using the leading computer-assisted design software, AutoCAD, or its "lite" version, AutoCAD LT Begins with AutoCAD basics, including the AutoCAD interface and commands, and progresses to complex topics such as programming and customization No AutoCAD experience is required to use this book, and a Quick Start guide shows beginning AutoCAD users how to create a technical drawing their very first day More than 150 tutorials use drawings collected from AutoCAD pros, giving readers valuable, real-world experience Includes coverage of AutoCAD LT, the world's most popular inexpensive 2D technical drawing program The CD-ROM contains before and after real-world drawings, bonus appendices, freeware and shareware programs, the book in searchable PDF format, and a 30-day trial version of AutoCAD software System requirements: For Windows 2000 or XP - PC with Pentium processor running at 200 MHz or faster; at least 64MB of total RAM installed; recommend at least 128MB; Ethernet network interface card (NIC) or modem with speed of at least 28,800 bps; a CD-ROM drive. CD includes real-world drawings for the exercises; bonus chapters, freeware & shareware programs, a 30-day trial version of AutoCAD software, and more.

"Whether you're new to AutoCAD or a veteran, you will undoubtedly find this book to be an excellent resource." -- Abhi Singh, AutoCAD Product Manager, Autodesk, Inc. Here's the book that makes AutoCAD approachable Even the people at Autodesk look to Ellen Finkelstein for AutoCAD training, so who better to teach you about AutoCAD 2008? This comprehensive guide brings veterans up to speed on AutoCAD updates and takes novices from the basics to programming in AutoLISP(r) and VBA. Every feature is covered in a logical order, and with the Quick Start chapter, you'll be creating drawings on your very first day. Success is in your hands. * Start drawing right away with the easy Quick Start project * Master commands and procedures for 2D drawings * Work in 3D with hiding, shading, and rendering techniques * Automate drawing annotation and the display of layers in viewports * Organize and share data * Customize commands, toolbars, hatch patterns, and more What's on the DVD? * 30-day trial versions of AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 * All drawings needed to complete the exercises in the book, including before-and-after versions * The entire text of the book in searchable PDF format * A selection of add-on programs that will enhance your use of AutoCAD System Requirements: Please see the DVD-ROM appendix for details and complete system requirements Connect to external spreadsheets and extract essential data from your drawing objects Draw and display sophisticated 3D models Develop flexible, easy-to-use dynamic blocks