DWG Convert

AutoCAD 2012 includes a useful tool, DWG Convert, which enables you to translate AutoCAD DWG files to any of the following DWG versions: R14, 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2010. This is for a single file, or multiples, making it useful for batch conversion of older files to the latest release.

To access the DWG Convert tool, simply go to the Application Menu (Red A, top left corner) > Save As > DWG Convert. In the DWG Convert dialogue box, you can specify the DWG files to be converted, save the list for future use, create new lists and open/append existing lists.

Workspaces

Workspaces are sets of menus, toolbars, palettes and ribbon control panels that are grouped and organised so that you can work in a custom, task-oriented drawing environment.

When you use a Workspace, only the menus, toolbars and palettes that are relevant to a task are displayed. In addition, a Workspace may automatically display the ribbon or a special palette with task-specific control panels.

You can easily switch between Workspaces. The following task-based Workspaces are already defined in the product:

• 2D Drafting & Annotation
• 3D Modelling
• AutoCAD Classic

For example, when you create 3D models, you can use the 3D Modelling Workspace that contains only 3D-related toolbars, menus, and palettes. Interface items that you do not need for 3D modelling are hidden, maximising the screen area available for your work.

To change Workspaces either select from the drop down at the top or the list at the bottom:

Merry Christmas from Micro Concepts

Before it gets too close to the festive season for people to see this message, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Micro Concepts. Thanks for Reading this year, hope to have more for you next year.

New 3D Connexion SpaceMouse Pro

SpaceMouse Pro is the latest addition to 3Dconnexion’s line of professional 3D mice. With an advanced ergonomic design and innovative On-screen Display, it delivers superior comfort and a simpler, more productive workflow. SpaceMouse Pro increases your productivity by more than 20% (#1) , as well as improving overall design quality1. It supplies you with exactly the right tools at the right time making it an indispensable tool for anyone who works with 3D software.

SpaceMouse Pro incorporates 3Dconnexion’s patented 6-Degrees-of-Freedom (6DoF) sensor, for intuitive, precise navigation of 3D models and camera positions in 3D space. It also features a full-size, soft-coated hand rest for maximum comfort and an array of 15 large, fully programmable function keys that enable you to stay focused by reducing the need to shift your attention between the screen, mouse and keyboard.

SpaceMouse Pro’s QuickView Keys provide fingertip access to 12 views, making it easier to detect errors, explore alternatives and present your work more effectively for review, and the conveniently positioned Keyboard Modifiers (Ctrl, Shift, Alt, Esc) save time by giving you fingertip access to application-specific editing commands.

SpaceMouse Pro automatically assigns appropriate commands to its four Intelligent Function Keys, and a convenient On-screen Display provides a visual reminder of function key assignments on your computer screen. The Virtual NumPad lets you input numerical data into your application using the standard mouse, rather than the keyboard.

Autodesk Cloud Security

Over the last few months we have been reporting about the new Autodesk Cloud services, you may have also seen the Inventor Optimisation messages yourself when running Inventor.

If you have not seen any information about the Autodesk Cloud technologies, then please visit the Autodesk Cloud website - www.autodesk.com/cloud.

This technology has quite rightly raised a few questions from customers regarding security of their data on the Autodesk Cloud. This has been fed back to Autodesk, who have recently released a white paper to help cover some of peoples questions. Please see the document for yourself:

Working Smart in Assemblies Articles

We often get asked about Assembly best practises, or recommended workflows. It seems Autodesk also get these questions and have put together some interesting and useful articles to help advise users of how to manage their Assemblies.

If this is something that would be useful to you, then please visit Autodesk's articles here.

Inventor Data Migration

What is data migration?

Data Migration is the process of updating Autodesk files and Design Data from a prior release to a newer release.

Do I need to migrate?

It depends. When you upgrade to a new release, Migration of files is not essential; files will be Migrated on their own when you Open and Save a file created in an earlier release (R11 – present) to your current release. Legacy data that is out of production does not require any kind of Migration process.

25 Worst Passwords of 2011 [STUDY]

Pro tip: choosing “password” as your online password is not a good idea. In fact, unless you’re hoping to be an easy target for hackers, it’s the worst password you can possibly choose.

“Password” ranks first on password management application provider SplashData’s annual list of worst internet passwords, which are ordered by how common they are. (“Passw0rd,” with a numeral zero, isn’t much smarter, ranking 18th on the list.)

The list is somewhat predictable: Sequences of adjacent numbers or letters on the keyboard, such as “qwerty” and “123456,” and popular names, such as “ashley” and “michael,” all are common choices. Other common choices, such as “monkey” and “shadow,” are harder to explain.