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DraftSight 2D CAD For Linux Beta Available
crypton writes "Dassault Systems, (Solidworks) has released their promised Linux version of DraftSight, their free 2D AutoCAD work-alike drafting program (deb and rpm files available). Right now it appears to be 32-bit only but it looks like one of the best Linux CAD alternatives (paid or unpaid) right out of the gate. Also available for PC and Mac."
I downloaded it then realized it's weird installing something in a linux distro that requires activation. Especially knowing no source code is available. It just feels...slimy and scary all at once.
Like taking a shortcut through that dark alleyway with the bum standing in the shadows. He's probably harmless but hey, why take a chance.
But it's their code so it's their perogative. I'll pass.
I have a good friend, and Linux supporter, that is an Electrical Engineer. He does things like lay out the wiring for new subdivisions and commercial buildings. He does not have use for 3D doing what he does, but has been using 3D on Suse and Debian for years. Al the while lamenting the lack of availability of some decent 2D CAD under Linux, or anything else for that matter. Game design is not the only reason around for decent CAD software. A lot of real work in the real world is done with it.
You realize stuff like this is the only way Linux may become popular on the desktop? We can't really expect everything to be FOSS. Support this if its useful to you, and look past the activation - more companies may start developing for Linux then. Would hate to see the Loki story all over again.
FOSS 2d CAD package
This isn't a FOSS 2d CAD package. It's a proprietary program that you can download at no charge but it requires "activation" within 30 days and once per year thereafter. (I just read the FAQ on their website.)
If you're a zombie and you know it, bite your friend!
Your discomfort is understandable. Even such, I am very glad that QCad now has an alternative. QCad has no active development on the free version and still runs on KDE3. It is my weapon of choice when doing 2D CAD work. Whether DraftSight will replace it, is still an open point and the final choice is not as important as the fact that I have a choice. For doing electrical circuits in Linux one has very little choice but using Eagle. Also a commercial product. It is a very decent package and most definitely made my life a lot simpler. I'd love to have everything FOSS for my work and home environment, but often need goes ahead of want.
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