Fire. Hurricane. Theft. Tornado. Grape juice. Electrical surge. Really when you get down to it there is no end to the list of disastrous events that can beginning of the end of your workstation’s hard drive. That may seem pretty obvious, but what may not be as obvious is that there is no end to the dangers that your data must face also! Whether you are a corporate giant or a freelancing CAD professional, the danger is really the same. Any day could be the day that you lose your valuable data!

Topics: Workstations, Hardware, Hard Drive, Connectivity, Backup System, CAD

With over 2 million downloads in less than a year — AutoCAD WS has become quite the mobile sensation. Thanks to Cloud technology, you can now upload your drawings to AutoCAD WS — and access them from any iOS (iPod touch, iPAD, iPhone) or Google Android device.

Topics: Workstations, Autodesk, Hardware, AutoCAD, WiFi, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, Laptops, Dell Workstations, Windows, CAD

Topics: Dell Business Workstation, Workstations, Hardware, AutoCAD, WiFi, Connectivity, Dell Workstations, CAD

The first post in this series discussed why you want OpenCL. The second post described how it works. This post discusses how OpenCL will affect your workflow.

Topics: Workstations, Graphics Card, Multi-Threading, Processors, GPU, Graphics Cards, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, Video Cards, CAD

In my last post, I theorized how advances in mobility technology will affect the CAD workplace. Now, what are these wandering CAD minstrels going to work on? Oh, that is the beauty of it all.

Topics: Workstations, RAM, Accessories, Hardware, Multi-Threading, Hard Drive, Processors, Operating Systems, GPU, Graphics Cards, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, Backup System, Video Cards, Dell Workstations, Windows, Display, CAD

So let’s face it, we’re all somewhat lazy. In fact, there are arguments out there that, as a species, we are lazier now than at any point in human history. And, as long as we are being scientific, there is even a physiological explanation having to do with the “lizard brain” to explain why we are lazy. Whether any of that falls more on side of science or fiction, I don’t know. What I do know is that CAD is not really what you would call a full contact sport.

Topics: Workstations, Hardware, GPU, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, CAD

Topics: Workstations, Hardware, Connectivity, Backup System, Network, CAD

The first part of this series about upgrading CAD software and hardware talked about using the Information Technology Lifecycle to help define how computer software and hardware can support your company’s business goals. The first three steps help you define the needs and measure your current productivity levels. Next we’ll discuss how to recommend solutions.

Step 4

Topics: Workstations, RAM, Hardware, Displays, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, Operating Systems, GPU, Memory, Graphics Cards, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, Video Cards, Laptops, Display, CAD

The first part of this series about upgrading CAD software and hardware talked about using the Information Technology Lifecycle to help define how computer software and hardware can support your company's business goals. These first three steps help you define the needs and measure your current productivity levels.

Step 1

Topics: Workstations, RAM, Hardware, Displays, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, Operating Systems, GPU, Memory, Graphics Cards, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, Video Cards, Operating System, Laptops, Windows, Display, CAD

Spring has sprung, and with it comes the buzz that surrounds all the announcements of new CAD software, workstations, and other hardware that burst onto the scene this time of year. As a CAD user or manager, you might be eyeing these new products and considering the benefits of upgrading. However, as is often the case, your IT department has different ideas about how your computer system should work. Here are some tips from the perspective of a systems integrator about how to speak the language of the IT professional and improve your chances of getting the hardware and software updates you need.

Topics: Workstations, RAM, Hardware, Displays, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, Processors, Operating Systems, GPU, Memory, Graphics Cards, Mobile Workstations, Connectivity, Upgrade, Video Cards, Operating System, Laptops, Windows, Display, CAD