Mentioned above is one software which I have used as it was loaded on to the hard drive A-9 CAD about two-three years ago. My version spouts compatibility with near "everything" but delivers far from that.

It is in and out only compatible to Autocad version R-15 or ACAD 2000. Says other things, but out is only one way.

It FLAT does not understand how to work in Paperspace, which has been on Acad since middle 1990's. You get a big blank page when viewed, plus an error message.

It FLAT does not understand how to work with XREF'd drawings, which has been on Acad since middle 1990's. You get nearly a big blank page with notes all over indicating error messages.

They told me... "We are working on that feature, but it seldom is used, is difficult to incorporate into A-9 and will be a part of some future release".

Their A-9 drawing converter works good here, 'cept for the fact that the text tends to disappear after each use and the converted file goes off into obscurity on to the hard drive somepalce.

For simple drawing and conversions, I have been using Intellicad 98 which I got years ago off the bargain table at Comp-USA.




Now, to scare the pants off of you. Back when, I used to listen to a radio Computer call-in problem show based in Los Angeles. The host mentioned that a few software manufacturers were putting in "Me ONLY" bugs into their demo installation disks or downloads. Upon installation, the BUG would check to see if a few competing versions of software was also loaded onto your hard drive. It would then alter them, making them useless the very next time, or if you thought the new download product was OK and wanted to purchase it, then about one year later you got a message indicating to Uprade to latest edition. And next year, and next year. Apparently if you purchased the software by some box off the discount table it did not have the BUG. Only the trial versions did.

This was mentioned on the call-in show, the host mentioned a whole bunch of predatory software suppliers (one being a low cost CAD company) and only way to stop it was to install another hard drive. Congress got involved about 2001 or 2002 and a law was passed saying NO more. Which got held to, but iff'n you got one of these earlier versions still on your computer, then a new download may not work out.





Wm.