System Needs for AutoCAD?

[donaldo88]

I have a set of software on floppies and books for AutoCAD release 13 ca. 1995. I've had virtually no experience on it, but going forward, I need to know some ACAD. System requirements are easily met on today's systems, and video card is not mentioned. I coincidentally need a new computer. Dell apps guide seemed to indicatethat for ACAD I needed their "Precision 370" system. Comparing to the "Dimension" line, I don't really understand the differences, except the 370 had a NVideo Quadro NVS 280vga card. Some of their Dimension systems have a video card, but always the Radeon x300SE, 128mb PCI Express ATI. I need to get the computer so I can get started practicing. I also intent to take a ACAD course, but I gotta have a new computer now, or sooner.
Any advice out there what I really need? Is 13 worth loading? I don't see myself needing to plot drawings at my house, but I need to get some skills. Thank you, all.
?????

 

[TCARPENTER]

Release 13 is a tough release. It's not a very stable package and it's probably not going to run on XP. (It might, but you're bound to get some screwy errors.) If its basic AutoCAD drawing skills you're trying to achieve, it might do the trick (if you can get it to run). Release 13 will be happiest on WindowsNT (it might tolerate Windows2000). Almost any graphics card will work for just basic drawing, but if you plan on doing heavy 3d work, this is when you'll notice the graphics card performance. Because 13 is an older release, you may have problems finding video drivers for AutoCAD and you may wind up just using default VGA drivers to get AutoCAD to run (but this is worst case scenario).

The recommendation: Try it - if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. But, for sure I wouldn't let old outdated software drive my hardware purchase decision.

HTH
Todd