Software Learning Opportunities for Summer: CAD, Stats Anal. & PSpice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around software learning opportunities for the summer, specifically focusing on CAD programs, statistical analysis software, and PSpice tutorials. Participants share their experiences and suggestions for accessing these tools, including student versions and free alternatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is seeking software learning opportunities, particularly in AutoCAD, Inventor, statistical analysis programs, and PSpice tutorials.
  • Another participant mentions that Solidworks has a student version but requires a school license, suggesting it is superior to Inventor and includes statistical analysis features.
  • A different participant notes logistical challenges in accessing school resources, including travel time and lab clearance requirements.
  • One suggestion includes a free 3D CAD software that is still in development but shows promise, with the ability to be programmed in Python.
  • For 2D CAD, a participant mentions that Siemens offers Solid Edge for free and suggests looking it up online.
  • R is proposed as a replacement for SAS, although one participant admits to not having used it and notes it may lack a graphical user interface.
  • Another participant shares a link to Autodesk's student site, which provides unlimited access to software as long as the user is a student and updates to new editions annually.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various suggestions and experiences regarding software availability, but there is no consensus on which software is definitively the best choice or the most accessible option for learning.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations related to accessing school resources and the readiness of certain software for production use. There are also varying opinions on the usability and features of different software options.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals looking to enhance their skills in CAD, statistical analysis, or programming during the summer, particularly those interested in free or student-accessible software options.

WatermelonPig
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I am home for the summer and trying to learn a decent amount of software. I already know about AutoCAD, Inventor, etc. but I can't find anything from them that lasts more than a month and has features removed maybe someone could point me out to a special offer? Also, what are the more popular statistical analysis programs and could someone hit me up with one that has a good offer. I'll be home for 2.5+ months more so I'd like to do something productive. Also maybe someone could point out some decent PSpice tutroials then that would also be awesome.
 
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I know for a fact that Solidworks has a student version, but you need to have a school license for as far as I know. Still its allot better then Inventor if you ask me, and it includes statistical analisys. Even better would be Catia, but I don't know if they do student licenses.

If I were you, I'd also check with your school.
 


Yeah I know my school has a lot of this stuff but its a 4 hours round trip and for some of them you need clearences in order to get into some of the labs but others you can just go online and get them but the server is generally slow.
 


For 3D CAD, there is an up and coming free software call http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/free-cad/index.php?title=Main_Page" ...they keep insisting that they are not ready for production and fear too much popularity too early, but it looks pretty decent to me, already. And the one thing I like the most about it is that it can be program in Python.

For 2D, I think Siemens now offers Solid Edge for free...just google it.

As a replacement of SAS, there is R, of course; have never used it, but I presume it is GUI-less.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


What luck, I'm actually trying to self study Python right now, I'll definitely try that out. Thanks!
 


For Autodesk Software:

http://students.autodesk.com/

I use this site myself and they provide unlimited access as long as you are a student and upgrade to the new edition of the software every year.
 

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