Expert: Bob - 9/11/2007

Question
i graduated in BSc Physics and have also been into material science for the past 3years. i have installed AutoCAD 2006 on my amd athlon, i would like to learn the software and need some tutorials, please help me. counting on your usual cooperation. thank you.

Answer
Hi --
You dont say what you plan to use AutoCAD for.
You dont say if you are proficient in drafting. AutoCAD is a drafting program, so one has to understand hand drafting concepts well to get AutoCAD right.
My best advice is always to purchase a book that teaches AutoCAD basics, geared toward your field -- engineering, mechanical, architecture, etc -- if you refuse to take a class, which is the best.
You can find lots of tutorials by simply typing AutoCAD tutorial into Google. -- but a tutorial is a short lesson on one small part of the program, so it is hard to assemble good complete basic knowledge.
BUT-- that inevitably means you will jump around and fail to learn parts, later having problems.
You should have a COURSE, not a tutorial. If you have a book, you can carefully learn the basics properly, then spend extra time on the areas you will use most. Self- taught people who dont follow a course tend to waste a lot of time, and turn out drawings which make others crazy.
If you are really good at this, you will go through the book and the extra tutorials faster.
Please dont be a fool and try to learn in a random way, with assorted tutorials.  And no one ever really learns the program until he/she does a couple of work and or school projects with it.
Good luck.

BOB