Expert: Scottgem - 5/8/2005

Question
Hello. Have used this site before on other topics, with great results.  
I am currently lmited here with msntv but am planning on upgrading soon and need some advice.
My "better" half of me is into designing clothes, and planning on developing this into a business. I am wondering if you can answer this for me, and it may be a multiple question type thing as we are looking for the type of computer, and software we would need to enable us to draw, and design on the computer, rather than the old fashon by hand way.
So, in your opinion what would we need to get going in a good way? Would it be a good computer with microsoft windows home software, or microsoft professional, xp, etc? And.....what software applications do you think would best suit our needs to enable us to do this at home getting started? I know there is tons of different applications, software, etc, but would love an expert opinion that knows way more than I do here.
Sincerely,
Shawn

Answer
In most cases the choice of software drives the choice of hardware. I have no familiarity with clothing design software, but the MAC is generally considered a better choice for graphics applications. So what I would do research into clothing design software. Check trade magazines for designers. Ask other designers, maybe contacting some design houses to ask what they use. Try contacting people at NY's FIT (Fasion Institute of Technology) and see if they can recommend software. Search the WEB for 'Clothing design software'. Once you have gotten recommendations for such software and narrowed your choices down, then you can look at the requirements for that software. That should dictate the level of hardware you need.

As I said before, MACs are generally considered better for graphics stuff, but not by much. There are plenty of programs available for one or the other that might suit your needs.

One last point, you mention Windows XP Home vs XP Pro. The difference between the two is primarily for networking. So if you only have one PC then XP Pro is probably superfluous.

HTH
Scott<>