CoosBayLumber is pretty much dead on, on this topic (as in most other things he posts on too).

I would highlly recommend the Intellicad program. I bought AcadLT for home use, have worked w/ ACAD from version 2.1G & am currently using the LDD3 package at work. I like Icad's almost seamless interface w/ ACAD, I've seen it open dxf files that choke acad, and its about $300 cheaper than LT. Its available over the internet, try bricscad or cadopia.

A course or two at the local CC or Adult extension HS are great ideas. Gorge Omura is the author of a great acad book that will step you through most of acad's functions & discusses xref, drawing/file management, plotter setups, all of it. Its based on architechture, but its a great tutorial. Runs about $60-65 (iirc), and can be found in most Borders or barnes & noble type store or available online.

One major problem I have with Autodesk is not their software, but their marketing.[:'(] I do NOT like their value added reseller approach. They refuse to let the program come to a fir market value, and it is not available retail. And now with their re-buy-it-every-year subscription ^(%*%$^&*, I'd like to nuke the company. [:@] Try Intellicad, and you won't be sorry.